May 13, 1861.
Hon. L. P. Walker
Secretary of War of the Confederate States:
Sir: I apprehend, from attention to the subject and inquiry among intelligent merchants, that the resources of the Southern States can not supply the necessities of the Army of the Confederate States with the essential articles of cloth for uniform clothing, blankets, shoes, stockings, and flannel. I respectfully suggest that measures be taken to obtain these articles from Europe. If this suggestion is favorably regarded, I hope that the importation of the enumerated articles may be increased in quantity to meet the wants of the volunteers called into service. The patriotic men who have left their homes for the defense of their country in the present crisis are unaccustomed to exercise sagacity in providing for the future those articles which hitherto have been abundant in the market.
A. C. MYERS,
Acting Quartermaster-General.