1861 May 21 Fredericksburg [Va.]

Gov. Letcher
Sir.
I have intended
for some time to make applica
-tion for a Captaincy of
artillery in the Provisional army
but being on service in a remote
fort of the State have been
prevented from doing so.
Should I be thought wanting of
so high a trust- I will therefore
keep the command of my ^'company'
present I now have during this
term of service.

In making this application I
take the liberty of saying that my
estate has been ruined by the

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unsettled state of affairs
and I find myself with a
large family - without means
of support. Should you think
proper to confer this office
upon me I promise no act of
mine should ever disgrace
our flag. & I shall use every
effort to prove myself worthy
of the trust.


I am truly sorry to add
to your troubles by this applica
tion and can duly plead
a strong desire to remain
in the service of my country
and the same time make an
honorable support
I have the honor to remain
Yr obt sevt
R. L. Walker
Capt Vol. Va.

possibly Captain R. L. Walker, Cayce's Company, Virginia Light Artillery, (Purcell Artillery)

MSS 38-390