North Carolina Congressman Writes Two Weeks After Their Secession.

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War-date North Carolina congressman's letter, 3pp. 4to., written by "R. Dillard", Raleigh, North Carolina, June 1, 1861. RICHARD DILLARD (1822-1887) was a North Carolina doctor who received his education at the Universities of Virginia and Pennsylvania. During the growing political tensions of the antebellum he became a State Rights politician and was elected to the North Carolina congress during that state's Secession Convention. Afterwards he sold his substantial properties with the proceeds to be used in arming and equipping the newly organized North Carolinian troops. In December 1861 he was appointed aide de camp to the governor with rank of colonel and was charged with the defense of Albemarle and Currituck Sounds. He also served as brigade surgeon in Confederate General Roger Pryor's command during the Seven Days Campaign. His letter reads, in part: "…on the first day the convention met [and] passed a secession ordinance by a unanimous vote since then the convention has done but little business except to receive and refer to committees various propositions to amend the constitution some of which will no doubt be adopted among which will be some plans to equalize taxation on the various kinds of property in the state. To this I shall myself field a willing assent whenever it can be done…as not to be an odious tax on slave & other property predominately in the eastern part of the state…there will be an effort to divide the school fund according to white basis. To this there will be strong opposition and I hope effectual it would break down the school fund of our own section almost entirely. In regard to raising troops their position and other things in regard to the defense of the state it is all or nearly done in secret session. I can say however that in a very short time we will be safe against any invasion from the coast through our sounds. When we will adjourn it is impossible to say. The sooner the better. I think after we get through the immediate business we will [be] called together to do all minor alterations [which] can be adopted at an adjourned meeting of this body say this fall or winter by which time we will begin to find out the results of our present actions…there is a tremendous rush here for office among the military aspirants. All want to get in and then want to get a little higher after doing so in the medical line. There are at least twenty applicants for every place from assistant surgeon up to surgeon Genl. Manson has been here waging a hot war with Champange etc., etc. for the latter place but was not successful. Dr. C. E. Johnson has been given the place. A good appointment were I a practitioner I should hesitate to come here and become the applicant for an uncertain appointment. I can't say when we will adjourn…". Heavily water stained at left margin, but still readable and historically significant in giving insight into North Carolina's newly established Confederate independence!

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