Coxs mills, Gilmer County
West Va July 18th 163[sic]
To his Excellency
A.J. Boreman Governor
of West Va. enclosed you will
find the return of an Election of
the officers of a volunteer militia Co
at the Town of Troy in the County of
Gilmer, which I hope you may
find it convenient to commision[sic]
And acquire without delay, as
our Situation is not only precarious but absolutely dangerous
both as to our persons and property
bands of rebbels[sic] are daily prowling
through our neighborhood and
commiting all kinds of detpredating[sic]
as we are on the entire frunteer[sic]
there bing[sic] no Federal troops betwen[sic]
us and the confederate lines
At the Town of Troy is Hickert's mills. which is run alternately By water and Steam as the nature of the case requires. This mill is the Sole dependance[sic] for grinding for all this region of county for a circle of 10 or 12 miles round especially in the dry Season by Stream if the mill Should be destroyed it would Almost ruin this county. If you could find it convinient[sic] to order about One third of the company Stationed at Troy alternately[sic], It would be nice: as a very Great favor. I would further remark that if this co is organising[sic] it is all important that they be Uniformed at as early a day as posable[sic] to prevent mistakes and accidents, as these men will do a great amount Scouting, I write in great haste my Son G. K. Cox will leave immediately for wheeling and will be the beaner[sic]. as even I remain yours [?] Philip Cox
Transcription by James Bailes, undergraduate student enrolled in Dr. Billy Joe Peyton's Fall 2010 "Introduction to Public History" at West Virginia State University