Richmond, May 27, 1861.
President Davis:
In reply to your letter of the 23d instant, received this morning, I send the advice of the council. It has been communicated to Governor Ellis by me :
The council advise that so much of the Harper’s Ferry machinery adapted to the manufacture of rifles as can, in the opinion of the ordnance department, be spared without inconvenience to the service of the State, and as can be promptly and advantageously employed at Fayetteville, be loaned to the State of North Carolina for the purpose of immediately commencing the manufacture of small arms at that point, and that the Governor of that State be invited to send suitable machinists to Virginia to take charge of so much of said machinery as it may be desirable and expedient to transfer to Fayetteville for the above -named purpose.
Approved May 22, 1861.
JOHN LETCHER .