HDQRS. DEPARTMENT NORTHWESTERN VIRGINIA,
Beverly, June 18, 1861.
General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General:
SIR: As already reported, I have four companies of cavalry under my command. I find that beyond Laurel Hill and the Buckhannon Pass there are so many country by-roads and cross-roads that this force is not quite sufficient to keep my command properly guarded. I therefore request that I may be supplied at the earliest practicable moment with two companies of well-armed and well-instructed cavalry.
The force which I found here is in a miserable condition as to ammunition and equipments. As regards the latter, they are actually suffering. Many are without blankets, and I may say nearly all without tents. The nights are cold, and there is much rain in this mountainous region. Sickness is therefore to be apprehended. In addition to this, they are obliged to carry their ammunition in their pockets, and that which escapes the rain is ruined by the perspiration of the men and the wearing out of the paper cartridges, but I asked before leaving Staunton for one thousand cartridge-boxes, but I suppose it will be some time before I shall see them. I shall ask to-day for five hundred tent flies, as it will take too much time to make tents. I simply want something to protect arms and ammunition from rain.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
R. S. GARNETT,
Brigadier-General.
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 