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[1]
Confederate States of America
Executive Department
Richmond, Va. Nov 12th 1863
My dear Sir
I do not think that any thing can
be more certain than that the Aids of the
President are in actual service. We perform
military duty all the time, are liable to be
sent all over the Confederacy, (one is now
with the Army of Tenn.) receive pay from
the Pay officers of the Army; draw forage
for horses to be used in service &c and
though stationed in Richmond are as
much officers in actual service as
Genl. Robt. E.Lee
To avoid [underscored] controversy I was willing
to compromise but as my offer has been
rejected, let us [fi...?] it out. I should not
now be willing to give [$1500.01?]
I think if you ask Genl. Cooper, the highest
authority on army matters, he will prove
[to you?] that the President's staff are [depire?]
and defacto in actual service
Very truy yours
Wm M Browne
