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Marion Miss April 19th 1861
To his Excellency J. J. Pettus
Dear Sir
We a portion of the citizens of Lauderdale County, in the vicinity of Marion; have organized ourselves in a company, known as the Home Guards, No 1. and have made arra-ngements to meet on next Saturday 28th Inst and be regular mustered into Service.
We would ask of your Excellency, that we be permitted to use the Mississippi Rifles now in possession of the Pettus Guards. We understand muskets are now on the way, and are expected daily for their use. We will give the necessary [?] for the Rifles & fixtures if you will permit us to take them in possession for now
Respectfully
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W. S. Patton April 19th 61