RSG00694_f10_Q0000137795

Executive Department Montgomery, Al^a Augst 7^th 1861

Capt W. M. Stone Camp Mollee Houston

Sir

Your note of this date has been rc^d- I have ^no^ authority to permit Mr Scott to withdraw from your company & attach himself to another - nor have ^you any such power - No one except the President of Secretary of War can do ^It^ When a company has tendered its services to the Confederacy & been accepted - it has no right to [illegible] nor has any member a right to withdraw from the company without incurring the penalty of desertion - This is not generally understood & you therefore should address your company of the danger of leaving the company without authority from the President or Sect of War Very Respectfully A. B. Moore