This letter from Lieutenant Colonel T. P. Bateman of Centerville, Tennessee was sent to D. Cambell and E. Cook on April 6, 1861 concerning the appointment of his fellow townsman Colonel Nunelly as postmaster of the town of Centreville. The appointment of Nunnelly was dependent on the removal of Secesh sympathizer and current postmaster Major Pleasant Hornbeak. In the letter T. P. Bateman speaks disparagingly of secessionists and feels that Mr. Nunnelly will meet the town of Centreville's needs more efficiently. T. P. Bateman ironically later became a Colonel in the Confederate Army.