No. 25
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Jackson, August 18, 1865.
Sir: Your order No. 16, disbanding police guard for Claiborne county, has been laid before me. I apprehend you are laboring under a mistake in regard to the character of this organization. I had express authority from the President himself to organize the militia if I thought it necessary to keep order in the country. This I did not do, but authorized the organization of patrol guards or county police, for the purpose of suppressing crime, and for arresting offenders. This organization is therefore part of the civil organization of the State, as much so as sheriff, constable, and justices of the peace, and I claim the right to use this organization for these purposes, and hope you will revoke your order.
Your obedient servant,
W.L. SHARKEY, Provisional Governor of Mississippi.
Colonel YORK.
Official copy:
J. WARREN MILLER, Assistant Adjutant General.