A note attached to a letter in a file at the state Department of Transportation offers a startling instruction: Shred this after reading, the note says.

The letter is dated Nov. 29, 2007, and was sent to then-Gov. Mike Easley from his friend, then-Southport Mayor Norman Holden. At the time, Holden had an unusual, $19,800-a-year contract as a liaison for DOT and he was winding down his duties as mayor in Easley's hometown. The letter was sent on city of Southport stationery.

The advice to shred came from the top public information officer at DOT, Ernie Seneca. He's now in charge of public information for the state Highway Patrol; Alcohol Law Enforcement; the state Capitol Police; and other crime control and public safety agencies.

Seneca's advice wasn't followed.