1861 June 1 Charlottesville [Virginia]

Head Qrs Camp Jefferson

Col P St Geo Cocke,
Sir,
I wrote you last night relative
to the condition of the three companies now here, they
are all raw recruits, and will require a great deal of
drilling to make them fitted to go into the field, the
company quartered at the University (Capt Taliaferros from
Amherst) are getting on very well, as several of the students
have taken charge of squads, the other two drill regularly,
but in consequence of not having enough competent drill
masters do not get along so rapidly, I hope to hear from
you about Accoutrements tomorrow, Enclosed I send
you a return of Capt Taliaferros company, the other
two will get fixed by Monday evening, when I will
send them, together with the Muster Rolls of all three,
the parties who promised to report to me about the
Tents and Knapsacks, did not do so today, they are
making up one of each so as to give me the exact cost
by Monday, I find the Sibley pattern will cost less
than the other styles, from a calculation I have made
I think I will be enabled to get them up at $14 or $15
each; each to accomodate from 12 to 15 men,
the Knapsacks will cost in the neighborhood of $2
each, but I fear I shall not be enabled to have them
made fast enough for the emergency of the case, but
will bring them up as fast as possible,
I recieved letters on yesterday and today from Captain

[paage 2]
Chas B Christian of Amherst about his company,
he will write me again on Tuesday next what time
they will be down, the other from Capt H N B Wood
of Nelson county, saying he would come in on next
Wednesday, but both are unarmed, and raw troops,
Should any think of importance transpire I will write
you again tomorrow,

Most Respectfully Your Most Obt Servt
Wm H Fry
Lt Col Comdg & Mustering officer

Both companies mentioned by Fry as soon to arrive became part of the 49th Virginia Infantry. C. B. Christian's "Amherst Rough and Readies" became Company B. and H.N.B Wood's "New Market Raiders" from Nelson County became Co. C.

MSS 640