December 6, 2000 Mr. Robert T. Hall Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20549-0305 Re: S-1 Filing Dated 4/27/98 - File # 33-71630 Dear Mr. Hall: We are hereby requesting that the S-1 filing dated 4/27/98, file # 33-71630 be withdrawn from EDGAR. If you have any questions, please contact me at 919-828-9511 extension 256. Sincerely, /s/ Kendall A. Carr - -------------------------- Kendall A. Carr Chief Financial Officer