(CIVIL WAR; SLAVE REQUISITION) Autographed letter signed ("Francis S. Holmes") to James Berry, Esq., and [illegible] Esq. on May 5, 1862. One page on lined stationary (20 x 31 cm.), with four horizontal folds, two vertical folds; light toning at head, otherwise very good.Holmes, in official capacity from the "Dist. of Orangeburg" in South Carolina, writes: "By virtue of an order from Brigadier Genl. Pemberton... I hereby require you to summon one half of the male slaves liable to road duty... & appear at Branchville on Friday next the 8... Each hand to be provided with a spade or axe, the said hands to be employed upon the foritifcations for the protection of Charleston... The compensation to be ten dollars per month, transportation and provisions to be furnished by Government." In his civilian life, Holmes was a noted academic and agrarian. One page. State of South Carolina, District of Orangeburgh. May 5, 1862. "By virtue if an order from Brigadier General Pemberton ....thereby require you to summon one half of the male slaves ...to appear? at Branchville on Friday next the ..at 8 o'clock am. Each hand to be provided a spade or axe..the said hand to be employed upon the fortification for the protection of Charleston....