1861 June 5 Harpers Ferry

Head Quarters 5th Infantry

Sir

I have been informed at the Head Quarters of the
Virginia Forces at this place, that three Companies from the
South Western part of the State will be sent to complete my
Regiment, & that the detail will be made by your order.

On yesterday I received two letters asking
that the Company Commanded by E. Folks be placed
under my command. One of the letters is written
at the instance of Captain Folks, & the other is signed
by about 45 members of the Company.

The Company--Officers & Men--are all citizens of
Montgomery County, from which I come.

If it can be done without interfering with your arra=
=ngements and without injury to the Service I respectfully
ask that Capt Folks & his Company be ordered to join
me at this place. He is now I presume at Lynchburg

Captain Hammet also has
a Company from the same county, & it would give me great
pleasure to have him with me if he desires it, & it is approved
by yourself.

I write this informal letter with the hope that it may prevent
much delay in the organization of My Regiment.

Respectfuly
James R. Preston
Colonel
5th Infantry

Colonel Phillip St. G. Cocke
Commanding Va Forces
at Manassas Junction

From an online history of Abingdon, Va.:
After Virginia seceded from the Union on April 17, 1861, Colonel James F. Preston became leader of the Washington Mounted Riflemen. He led his troops from Abingdon to Saltville to become a part of Southwest Virginia's most important task: protecting the valuable salt mines. The Union had quickly realized the South's need for salt to preserve the soldiers' meat, and began to press toward Saltville to blockade the railroad; thus, the desperate need for protection.

Stonewall Jackson, in his official report on the soon-to-be-founght battle of 1st Mannassas/ Bull Run mentions Preston as rendering valuable service during the action.
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