I have carefully considered the advisability of sending Worth Sanders to Selma. I have come to the conclusion that I should not at present send him there. I have the following reasons:

I cannot send him without a sufficient military escort to insure his protection. This would be expensive, but the expense is least to be considered. If a lynching should be attempted, a horrible tragedy might be enacted. I do not think that his testimony before the coroner's jury can be of sufficient importance to warrant me in taking this great risk.

Besides, I see nothing to prevent you and your jury coming to Raleigh and taking the testimony of Sanders. The expense would be much less, and there would be no risk of any trouble.

If I should send Sanders to Selma under the protection of a military escort much comment would arise and excitement might be engendered. Under all circumstances I have therefore concluded that it is best to let him remain here for the present, and ask you and the jury to come to Raleigh for his testimony provided you think it of sufficient importance.

I hope that you agree with me in this.