Application of S. J. Harper; August 4, 1864

The State of Mississippi Simpson County

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For Lt J. C. Barns Com^dg. Capt G Walker Co & Majr. Stubbs Com^dg. Batt. & the Superior Officers

The application for detail as a Public Blacksmith ^& wagon maker^ of the undersigned S. J. Harper [shows?] and avers that I the said S. J. Harper am a blacksmith & wagon maker by trade am 35 years 5 feet 11 inches high auburn hair hazel eyes fair complexion and born in Marion County Miss and am the head of a family consisting of a wife and Eight children most of whom are girls

I further state and aver on oath that I have been working at the Blacksmith and wagon makers trade for the last Ten years that I am skilled in the trade and work for the public and have done so for that period of time That I was so engaged on the 17^th day of February and 1^st day of January 1864, at my shop on Sanders Creek in said County distanced from other public shops as follows 20 miles on the North, 18 miles on the East 18 miles on the West and 7 miles on the S. W. That I have and expect to work (if permitted) for soldiers families at such prices as were customary prior to the commencement of the present war and for all my work have not charged exceeding 75 per customer or the actual cost of production and that I will not exceed the prices fixed by the Commissioners of said State under the impressment law and will in all respects faithfully conform to the requisitions of the act of Congress of the Confederate States Approved February 17^th 1864, Entitled "An Act to Organize forces to serve during the War." That there are but few men left at home in my neighborhood and there are many soldiers families who are unable to travel a long distance to have their work done, and the continuance of my present occupation is absolutely

a public necessity. That I volunteered in the Army of the Confederate States and was mustered into Service on the 5th day of April 1862, and furnished a Substitute and was thereby honorably discharged on the 5^th day of September 1862, That I consider my services of more public utility following my trade than in the army proper, of the Government, That this application for detail wis made for the following causes towit In the Spring of the present year when the late conscript laws were amended I being ignorant of the law was advised by persons whom I believed to be conversant therewith that the only way and best method for a man engaged as I was to obtain a detail was to connect himself with a company and the make application for detail, but as I am informed and verily believe that the Enrolling Officers will not entertain an Application for detail of a man who is in the Service, and on said representation in regard to joining a Company I was mustered into the Service in said Company and afterwards found that I could not be detailed by the Confederate authorities. Whereupon I made application similar to this and caused the same to be forwarded to His Excellency and am informed & believe that the same has been lost on the way.

I further state that I have as much work as I can do at my trade and do not see how many families are to get their work done If I am not permitted to carry on my shop and to this fact could procure and transit a Petition on the part of the citizens, if it should be deemed necessary. and if the proofs and facts herein set forth are not deemed sufficient to warrant a detail I pray the authorities to investigate my case and see whether or not public necessity demands that I should be detailed.

I further state and aver that I will report the fact to the nearest Camp of Instruction Commandant of Conscripts of said State or to the Enrolling Officer of my County or District so soon as I cease to be employed as above stated,

I therefore pray to be detailed as a Blacksmith & Wagon maker under the law authorizing the detail of certain persons on account of public benefit and necessity,

My Post office is Saunders Creek Simpson Co Miss August 4^th, 1864,

S J Harper

The State of Mississippi Simpson County

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Personally appeared before me the undersigned Clerk of the Probate Court in and for said County S. J Harper who being by me first duly sworn deposes and says on oath that the allegations & Statements made and contained in the above appication for detail are true Sworn to & Subscribed before me this the 4^th day of August 1864 Witness my hand & Seal of office

P. L. Nenderhall Clerk

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S J Harper

The State of Mississippi in Simpson County

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Personally appeared before me the undersigned Probate Clerk of said County A A Rogers and John Peacock to me well known and whom I hereby certify to be men of veractiy and credibility who being by me first duly sworn depose & say on oath that the allegations and Statements made and contained in the above application for detail of S. J. Harper are true to the best of their knowledge & belief.

Sworn to & Subscribed before me this the 4^th day of August 1864 Witness my hand & seal of office

John Peacock A. A. Rogers

Application for Detail S. J. Harper

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Approved and respectf^ly forward J. C Barnes Lt

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Com Co A Stubbs Batt.

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Approved and respect fully forward W J Eaton Cap^t. Com Batt

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Disapproved Aug 20' 1864 Chas Clark Gov