QUARTERMASTER’S OFFICE, VIRGINIA VOLUNTEERS,
Staunton, Va., May 26, 1861.
[Governor LETCHER:]
MY DEAR SIR: I inclose you the letters* of Major Turk, Colonel Christian, and my special messenger, Doctor Wayt. You will see from the letters that the expedition has proved a success. I have, in accordance with your dispatch by your aide, Col. S. Bassett French, sent 500 shirts and 100 pairs of pants, and directed them to be issued and the captain of each company’s receipt to be taken, specifying that the cost of same was to be deducted from the pay of the men. On yesterday I started the battalion cavalry, well armed, to Grafton. The Greenbrier Cavalry, a fine body of men, arrived to-day, and I send W. H. Peyton, esq., down to get army pistols, double-barrel shotguns, or single-barrel shotguns, to enable me to arm this company and send them at once to Grafton. I have nearly sabers enough and ten pairs of pistols and holsters, and with the aid you can give me doubtless can arm them. I regret to report the desertion of ten men belonging to the Greenbrier Sharpshooters, Captain Brown, last night. I have sent after them, and hope to overtake them and bring them back. Major Turk and Colonel Christian went the very first men to Harper’s Ferry, and when, by the action of the convention, they were cut off, without a murmur, when I called on them to lead the expedition to Grafton, they, with James J. A. Trotter, James E. Carson, and Capt. H. L. Opie, started and traveled night and day with the expedition, and have succeeded. Allow me to urge upon Your Excellency that you appoint Colonels Turk, Christian, and Trotter to such positions as you can assign them in the volunteer service of the State in the northwest. Such services ought to be rewarded, and Turk is one of the most gallant men in the State. Your letter by Mr. Getty came to hand to-day, and I assure you I feel most highly complimented by the estimate you hold my services to my State, which I know far exceeds my merits. Colonel Echols has gone to Harper’s Ferry, and leaves me in command here. I need aid, and H. M. Bell, esq., has been assisting me. Give him an appointment, and he will be able, as he has heretofore done, to give efficient aid to the State. Of his qualifications and high character I need not say one word to you, as you know him well.
Yours, truly,
M. G. HARMAN.
* Not found
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. LI, Part II. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1897.
Spirit of '61 