May 18, 1863, Raleigh N.C.,

Governor Z. B. Vance to Secretary of War James A. Seddon

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Raleigh, May 18, 1863.

 Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON,  Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.

SIR: I had the honor to request of you some time since an examination into the case of Lieut. Col. J. A. Keith, Sixty-fourth North Carolina Troops, charged with the murder of some unarmed prisoners and little boys during the recent troubles in the mountains of this State. I have heard by rumor only that he was brought before a court-martial and honorably acquitted by producing an order for his conduct from General Davis, commanding in East Tennessee. I have also been officially notified of his resignation. Will it be consistent with your sense of duty to furnish me a copy of the proceedings of the court-martial in his case? Murder is a crime against the common law in this State and he is now subject to that law.

Very respectfully, &c.,

 Z. B. VANCE

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