1861 June 19 Richmond [Virginia]

Head Quarters, Richmond

Col J. W. Ware
34th Reg’t Va Vols
Charlestown
Va

Colonel,

In reply to your letter of the 15th, I have to state that,
when you were ordered to report to Gen’l Johnston, it was sup=
posed that there were with him several unassigned companies
which might form the basis of your regiment. As it appears
that there are none, it will be necessary for you to wait until
a nucleus for your regiment can be formed. Anything which
you can do to expedite its formation, you are authorized to do.

The regiment, when formed, will be known as the 34th Reg’t
of Va Volunteers. Lt Colonel L. T. Moore and Major Lawson Botts
will be attached to it. These officers were ordered to report to Gen’l
Johnston like yourself, and made be used to aid in raising and
organizing the Regiment.

Very Resp’ly
Your ob’d’t serv-t
R E Lee
Gen’l Comd’g

MSS 6136