Augusta: Philip H. Trout to John Letcher, July 22,
1861
Summary:
Captain Trout writes to the governor to clarify whether or not his company is to
be sent away from their current duty in Staunton.
July 22nd 1861
Staunton Virginia
To,
His Excellency, Governor:
Letcher
Company "A" 160 th Regiment: Virginia Militia was detailed to do guard duty, over the public property, at this place, which was "Totally unprotected." We were regularly mustered into the Service of the State, on the 29th of June (last) by the order of General Robert Edward Lee, we have been and are now performing that duty. [deleted: ever Since.]
When mustered into Service we numbered 110 men, but So many of them have been detailed to work on armory work, our number has been reduced to about 50, which throws Each man on guard duty twenty four out of forty Eight hours. The necessity now [added: for a guard] is vastly greater than when we were first called out.
I wish to Know if under the above Circumstances Your late proclamation relates to my Company I am of opinion that my Company is exempt from draft and being called away, believing that my Company which has been regularly mustered into Service, and now on active duty, Cannot be drafted and Taken from their present position to do duty in other portions of the State - I however deemed it best to address you on the Subject, and in the event my Company are embraced in your Call, I will have to make the necessary arrangements to have them relieved from their present duty, So that they may prepare themselves to leave [added: which] it will require Some days, as we have no equipments for a campaign whatever, and a greater portion of them poor men with large families unprovided for -
Your immediate reply is Earnestly requested by your
obedient
servant
Philip H. Trout
Captain Company "A"
Virginia Militia
