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[seal]
Corinth. Sept 23. 1861
His Excellency John J. Pettus Gov. State of Mississippi
Dear Sir
I am on my way to Columbus from Richmond, where I have been to get authority to raise a Battalion of Cavalry for the. Confederate service for 12 months.
Permission was given me to organize the Battalion, to be called the "Pope Walker Troopers"—and to be ready for service by the 1st November.
The authority under signature of "Secy Walker dated Sept 16th states that the arms of said Battalion provided by the 'Troopers themselves" will be paid for by the Govern-ment when they are mustered in"—
On reaching here I find the Company formerly commanded by Capt Wm. M Inge & now in charge of Lt Jno N Duncan is anxious to get into service & will join this Battalion, with your permission to use the arms they now have belonging to the state, being a lot of "Maynard Rifles"
They will be paid for by the Govmt to the state, under the authority above
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alluded to. I will receipt to the State for them & be responsible for them, or if you prefer the Confed: Governmt. will account to you for them, as you may prefer
The Secty of war is anxious that this Battalion shall be gotten up, I will most probably put it into Service on the Coast. By giving this company the permission desired you will confer a very great favor upon many of your fellow citizens & Supporters—I have three other Companies nearly complete in Lowndes & Oktibbeha & probably one from Noxubee to join me—
When I reach Columbus, you will receive this evidence of my authority, & my wish supported by your most influential friends there—
An early reply will ^be^ most gratefully recd by
Your obt servt
T. S. Gov. Pettus
Sir,
I am cognizant of the facts contained in the above letter, and vouch for its author as a gentleman, in every way worthy your confidence
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Sept 23d 1861
Charles Baskerville
Wants permission to receive Duncans Company into his battallion—with the arms belonging to the state