“Sir: You will greatly oblige me, and at the same time not inconvenience yourself, perhaps, by calling at this office on or before the 19th inst., for the purpose of complying with ‘Special Order No. 61,’ issued by the Provost-Marshal General, St. Louis, Mo., March 7, 1864, requiring ministers of the gospel to take the oath of allegiance therein prescribed.
“Your non-compliance with this notice will be taken as a refusal and will be acted upon accordingly.
“James A. Reid,
“1st Lieut. and Ass’t Provost-Marshal.”
To which Mr. Watts returned the following reply:
“Charleston, Mo., March 18, 1864.
“Lieut. James A. Reid, Ass’t Provost-Marshal:
“Sir: Your note of the 17th inst. has been received, asking me to appear at your office on or before the 19th inst., to comply with ‘Special Order No. 61,’ concerning ‘convocations, conferences, councils, assemblies,’ &c.
“1. I have written to St. Louis for certain information on this and other subjects. I would greatly prefer getting said information before taking action in this matter.
“2. I assure you I have not violated said order by attending any synod, council, conference, or any such assembly under any other name, since said order was issued.