Letter from G. L. Blythe to Mississippi Governor Charles Clark; February 3, 1864

Hernando Feb 3^d 1864

Gov Charles Clark

Dear Sir

Since my return I have met with much better sucess in raising a Regiment for State Service, than I anticipated; one Company complete and four others nearly so. One Company has been tendered me from Memphis on condition of my making an arrangement with the proper Confederate authorities to exempt from conscription since eight or more men of Conscript age who wishes to join it I desire you if it is possible, to make the arrangement for me; also I wish the privilege of selecting a few men of Conscript age. Citizen of this County to fill some of the offices in the Reg't I appointed Mr J M Tait and Mr Joseph Rice to positions in my command some months ago and am [angling?] to retain them [gap] I also wish to organize as soon

as I got four Companies Complete so that I may appoint ^a^ Quatermaster and put the men into camp also that I may commence operations as soon as possible The Citizen of this County are suffering considerable depredation committed by our own Soldier and I wish to protect them as soon as I can. We have no civil law to protect them and it is important that the State authorities take the matter in hand

By attending to the above requests you will much oblige

Yours Respectfully

G L Blythe

Mr J M Tait & Dr Joseph Rice are members of my Command & I hereby give my consent to their transfer to Col Blythe provided they can first be appointed by the Gov A. Q Ms & Surgeon in State service

Jas RChalmers Brig Genl Cavy 1^st Div. Forest Cav.