HEADQUARTERS VIRGINIA FORCES,
Richmond, Va., June 13, 1861.
COLONEL: Your letter of the 9th has been received. I regret much the unfortunate circumstances with which you have been beset, and appreciate the difficulties you have had to encounter. General R. S. Garnett, C. S. Army, has been sent to take command in the Northwest, with such a force as was disposable. It is hoped that he will soon reach the scene of action, that a more agreeable state of things will be inaugurated, and that loyal-spirited citizens of the country will be encouraged and enabled to put down the revolution which you mention. Your services will be very valuable to General Garnett, in giving him information as to the state of affairs in the country under his command, and in aiding him to achieve the object of his campaign.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE,
General, Commanding.
Col. GEORGE A. PORTERFIELD,
Commanding, &c., Huttonsville Va.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. II. With additions and corrections. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1902.
Spirit of '61 