Brandon Aug 5th 1862 His Excellency John J. Pettus My Dear Sir: My sickness has prevented me from making the communication to you which I previously intended viz. The condition of the County of Rankin taking it for granted that every county in the state is similarly situated, I am of opinion that something ought to be speedily done for the public good. I know you will do anything you can reasonably do, in your capacity as chief magistrate of the state, and I submit whether you can relieve in this case. In our county, the able bodied men have been so reduced by volunteering and drafting, that the militia is not only greatly reduced, but the people are insecure from an outbreak of our blacks. Upon careful enquiry, I have ascertained that good guns are not only very scarce, but there is no ammunition to speak of in the county. The best guns have all been impressed for the public service and the few remaining would be useless upon an emergency for the want of ammunition. [2] The question is how can this be remedied? I will suggest 2 ways - 1st by furnishing powder & ball to the board of police of each county, for distribution among the people of the county, in such way as you might think right & fair - & the 2nd to bring the minutemen home, & let them be organized for home protection as guerrillas (& mounted) according to population in each county. This last seems to be, to my mind, the best & most suitable plan. We have heard of the desolation in the track of the enemy, of the ruin produced near Helena, & to prevent the escapement of slaves, or their forcible abduction, it would be a matter of vast importance to have an organized band of determined querrillas in each county, to cut off those infernal straggling & marauding parties of the enemy, should they come. If there should be [inserted: no] need of them, from the fact that the enemy may not come, they will be of incalculable advantage in compelling peace and order at home, amongst our servile population, who see & know our total want of preparation for a raid on their part, as well [inserted: as] we do ourselves. [3] As an inducement to this withdrawal, it might be stated that they will not be required in the field of Genl. VanDorn, from present appearances, & that their physical condition would be greatly improved by the privilege of being at their respective homes, at least, two nights in every week. My idea is that they should still remain in the service & pay of government, & to be in the saddle everyday, & night too, if necessary. They could be ranged in squads for the most part in every [beat], & to have the power of concentrating once every week. The great office is first, to overawe the slave population, should discontent spring up, by the presence of armed men in each county, - & second, to prevent those demoralizing inroads, which small bands of the enemy might make in neighborhoods, greatly to the injury of life and property. I submit these things to the patient consideration of your excellency, & ask you to take the letter home with you, & give it an attentative perusal, away from the bustle of [inserted: the] office. Hoping you will excuse the liberty I have taken, I remain Your friend P. Henry [Address] His Excellency John J. Pettus Jackson Miss [Docket] Brandon Miss Aug 5. 1862 Gen. P. Henry Makes suggestions With regard to Rankin county.