Coalsmouth Kanawha County Wva
July 21st 1864
Col CR Brown A Gen West Va
Dear sir on an other page pleas[sic] read from may Rucker and inform me if it is so that we are under the directions of a maj. And subject to be sent to Montgummary[sic] County where the people is without any provisions.
I mean that I am invited to secure the Honor of doing what 500 men could not do and that with my Co and 25 munrow men. Without Train horses or rations. that is to go to the Railroad in Montgummary [sic] County 150 ms and bring out some citizens and I am so afflicted with catarrh on my hand that I could not go. nor would I undertake it without more men and a better out fit.
You will pleas[sic] refer to his Exelency[sic] Gov AI Boreman from whome [sic] I hop [sic] to receive instructions and to whome [sic] I am. as well as to youre[sic] self always indebted in gratitude and remain youre
Most Obedient Servent
R Brooks Capt Scouts
Charleston WVa
July 16 1864
Capt Brooks
Coals Mouth
Sir, I am just on the end of a most important movement & I love every prosper of a glorious billing sweep in a region of county where tho [sic] rebels will feel it severely.
I shall send out from Comp [?] some twenty five men on wednesday next when this expedition, and if you will come up and make arrangements with one, I will be please [sic] to have you command this detachment; to be joined to your company.
Come up at one and see me if you can and we can [?] make the arrangement, provided your organization are as anxious these Twenty five men of the Monroe County Home Ground
You and your command Love been somewhat abused by some people, and this is a good chance to silence them.
Very Truly & Respectfully
NmP Rancher, Maj [transcriber error - name is Wm P Rucker]
[?] Home Guards
Transcription by Jack Stephenson, undergraduate student enrolled in Dr. Billy Joe Peyton's Fall 2010 "Introduction to Public History" at West Virginia State University