August 19, 1863
Title
August 19, 1863
Subject
Letter from James H. Ball, Co K, 9th Virginia Cavalry, to Mayor Slaughter, dated 19AUG1863, near Fredericksburg. Requests the mayor to ask General Lee if he and Alexander Pratt could scout in Stafford and King George for him. In ink on folder stationery. A large piece of the paper is missing, but doesn't affect the text. Stained.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - EMINENT FIGURE ASSOCIATION: Slaughter, M.
UNIT ASSOCIATION: 9th VA Cavalry
-Information provided by the courtesy of the National Park Service
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - EMINENT FIGURE ASSOCIATION: Slaughter, M.
UNIT ASSOCIATION: 9th VA Cavalry
-Information provided by the courtesy of the National Park Service
Description
Near Fredg, Aug 19th, 1863
Mr. Slaughter, Esq
Dear Sir
I am truly sorry it was out of my powers to see General Lee about the matter we were speaking of. This is to get him to have myself and Alexander Pratt detailed to scout for him over in the counties of Stafford and King George in order to find out what the enemy are doing, and also their numbers, and if he thinks proper and will send an officer and some men I will [show] him him a good deal can be accomplished. I would also mention that there are a great many conscripts and deserters that ought to be taken up. Many of whom I believe communicate with the enemy besides stealing horses from the citizens. Some of the 15th Va cavalry visited Stafford & King George for that purpose, but did nothing. I will be under many obligations if you will see the General, and ask him If he wants our services. If so he can have us detailed we belong to Company K 9th Va. Cavalry W.H.F. Lee's Brigade. You know us both sufficiently to recommend us to the general beside we will furnish him with any recommendation he may want. I shall leave for the army in morning. And If he has us detailed we will report to him immediately.
Yours in Haste
James H. Ball
-Transcript provided by the courtesy of the National Park Service. Additions bracketed.
Click here for audio
Mr. Slaughter, Esq
Dear Sir
I am truly sorry it was out of my powers to see General Lee about the matter we were speaking of. This is to get him to have myself and Alexander Pratt detailed to scout for him over in the counties of Stafford and King George in order to find out what the enemy are doing, and also their numbers, and if he thinks proper and will send an officer and some men I will [show] him him a good deal can be accomplished. I would also mention that there are a great many conscripts and deserters that ought to be taken up. Many of whom I believe communicate with the enemy besides stealing horses from the citizens. Some of the 15th Va cavalry visited Stafford & King George for that purpose, but did nothing. I will be under many obligations if you will see the General, and ask him If he wants our services. If so he can have us detailed we belong to Company K 9th Va. Cavalry W.H.F. Lee's Brigade. You know us both sufficiently to recommend us to the general beside we will furnish him with any recommendation he may want. I shall leave for the army in morning. And If he has us detailed we will report to him immediately.
Yours in Haste
James H. Ball
-Transcript provided by the courtesy of the National Park Service. Additions bracketed.
Click here for audio
Creator
James H. Ball
Date
August 19, 1863
Files
Collection
Citation
James H. Ball, “August 19, 1863,” Slaughter-Murray Papers, accessed September 16, 2024, http://slaughtermurray.umwhistory.org/items/show/87.