1861 May 28 Richmond [Virginia]

Quarter Mastr General's Office
Virginia Forces

Sir

Yours of 26th for actg Asst Commissary Thomas
this moment to hand. I have sent you all the articles named
in your letter that we have had on hand or that it is possible
too purchase. Tents pins and flies are exhausted at present but
am making them up as rapidly as possible. Cartridge boxes
Percussion Cap boxes, Scabbards, belts, plates and all other articles
of ordnance stores are supplied by the ordnance depts to whom
your requisition should have been made. Flags, Guidons, Drums
& fife cannot be had in this state. Bed Sacks are prohibited by
the Commdg Genl.
Very Respectfully
Yr. Obt Sert
H Heth
Lt. Col & A Q M Genl.

to Col. P.S.Geo Cocke
Culpepper

Henry Heth, 1825-1899, a career army officer, was serving as Robert E.Lee's quartermaster at the time this letter was written. After this brief stint he served in western Virginia and Kentucky before returning to the eastern theater in 1863. He inadvertantly made history a few months later by sending two reconnaissance brigades into Gettysburg, precipitating the pivotal battle there.
MSS 640