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[seal]
Executive Department of Ala., Montgomery, May 27th, 1864
His Excellency, Governor Charles Clarke; Mississippi;
Dear Sir;
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th inst. together with the accompanying letters.
Several days since, I received a letter from Col. B. M. Woolsey, the Salt Commissioner of this State, complaining that the Salt-Agents of Mississippi were interfering with his prospects of making Salt, for the indigent of this State, by giving exemptions to Contractors. I wrote him, in substance, that unless your agents or contractors were making Salt on the Salt-lands belonging to this State, I had no right to in-terpose any objections to such proceeding.
I have received no reply to my letter asking for further informa-tion as to the facts. A few days since, I saw Mr. J. H. Phillips, General Salt-Agent for Mississippi; and he explained to me, that he was ma-king contracts with persons owning Salt-lands in this State & was not attempting to exercise any control, over any lands belonging to this State. He also explained to me, the necessity under which your State was labor-ing for want of a supply of Salt. I expressed to him, my approval of his con-duct, as explained to me.
I assure you—Governor, that I have no objection to any exemption you may ask, for Salt makers, under Contracts with you, to supply the Sol-diers' families of your State. With proper industry and energy, I hope Salt
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enough may be made to supply the families of Soldiers in Mississippi and Alabama.
I have the honor to be, with much regard, Your obedient servant.
T. H. Watts Gov of Ala.
Letter of Gov Watts Rcvd June 4, 1864