WAR DEPARTMENT, October 27, 1860.
Hon. ARCHIBALD MCLEAN, Mayor, Fayetteville, N.C.
SIR: I have received your communication of the 25th instant at the hands of Mr. Fuller, and at once reply by saying that the guard you desire shall be furnished as soon as it can be done. There may be delay in meeting your wishes in consequence of the difficulty of finding troops that are available at once.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant
JOHN B. FLOYD,
Secretary of War.