W.A. GORDON, A.A. General.
HEADQUARTERS NORTHERN DISTRICT OF MISSISSIPPI,
Jackson, Miss., August 21, 1865.
Sir: A notice appears in yesterday's paper, over the signature of Lamar Fontaine, calling on the young men of Hinds and Madison counties to meet at Cooper Wells and at Livingstone, respectively, on the 22d and 24th instant, for the purpose of organizing companies and electing officers.
The notice creates the impression that some kind of military organization is intended, and in that event I would beg leave to call your attention to the fact that the State of Mississippi is under occupation, and that martial law is still in force, and that no military organizations can be tolerated which are not under the control of the United States officers. I am, therefore, in duty bound and compelled to prevent and prohibit all military organization not recognized as a portion of the United States forces, unless they are formed under special authority of the War Department, or the major general commanding the department of Mississippi.
I can assure your excellency that the number of troops in the counties of Hinds and Madison is amply sufficient to give the civil authorities all the assistance they may possibly need, and the means at my disposal are amply sufficient to stop all crime, provided the civil authorities will co-operate sincerely with the military commanders, and furnish information promptly and voluntarily, as the public peace and safety require them to do.
I respectfully request that you will communicate the tenor of this communication to Mr. Fontaine.
Believe me, with great esteem, your excellency's obedient servant,
P. JOS. O'STERHAUS, Major General Volunteers.
His Excellency Hon. W.L. SHARKEY, Provisional Governor of Mississippi.