1861 May 12 Richmond, Va.

Head Quarters, Virginia Forces

Colonel P. St. Geo. Cocke
Commdr Virginia Forces. Manasses Station

Colonel

I am instructed by Maj. Gen Lee to
acknowledge the receipt of your letter of May
11th.

Gen Lee approves of the arrangements you
have made as mentioned in your letter and
desires that they be continued.

By Special Order no. 39--which you have probably
received you will see that your Head Quarters
are placed at or near Culpepper C.H. and
that you are desired to organize the troops into
regiments as fast as mustered into service, to
place them under the available field officers
at your disposal and to have them instructed and
prepared for active service as rapidly as possible.

When ready they will be directed to such points
as may be most advantageous for defense.

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You will please report your progress from time to
time & he will be always happy to have your
views as to the military operations in your front.

He requests you to keep him advised of events
as far as you can from the earliest reliable information
you can obtain.

I am respectfully your obdt servt

John A. Washington
Aide to Maj. Gen Lee