1861 Sep[tember] 18 Richmond [Virginia]

My Dear General [John Hartwell Cocke]

Very soon after the receipt of
your maxims for manufacturing a new mode of wafare etc
I had it published in the Richmond Whig. Since
then I have received your favor of the 9th instant
enclosing 10$ and asking for a few copies of the maxim
which after diligent search could not be obtained
at the office of publication. I then took a copy
from the files of the paper reserved in the
Whig office which I had republished in the
Enquirer of this morning and ordered 25 copies which
(minus 2 copies) I have sent you by the packet boat.

Enclosed you will find receipt from the Planter
office. We are in constant expectation of stirring
news from all most every part of our armies.
From reliable private sources, I have reason to believe
that in about two weeks the Potomac will be very
effectually blockaded by our land batteries and
a wide space left for our troops to cross the
lower Potomac at will. When this is accomplished
the day of deliverance for Maryland will have
arrived, involving nothing less that the downfall of
of[sic] the Federal Capital as a necessary means to than
end.

Yours with Christian regard
Ch. B. Williams

MSS 640