Nestorville Barbour Co West Va
July 26/ 64
His Excellency A. I. Boreman.
Governor.
Governor
I have to say that the specified time one year will be out with some of my men Sept 1st 1864. While others of them say they were sworn in by Capt Yeager with the understanding they were to go out at the same time. How will we manage this affair. I think each man should serve his year out. An order from your Excellency will have to settle this matter.
From what I know and have learned of late I certainly believe that peaceable and quiet citizens will neither be Safe in life nor property unless a company of men are stationed Somewhere in this section.
I would say further that twenty or twenty five men would be a sufficient number to Scout and guard roads. & c. By this means it keeps them tolerably quiet
I would also ask the question whether if any of those men whose time will be out soon if they should serve longer under the same- enlistment Say three or four months obey orders & c whether they would be paid accordingly or not.
Be kind enough to issue orders on these subjects as soon as possible.
I have the honor Sir to be your
Most. Obt. Servt
M. T. Haller Capt
Comd'g Barbour Scouts
West. Va Troops
Transcription by Angela Mink, undergraduate student enrolled in Dr. Billy Joe Peyton's Fall 2010 "Introduction to Public History" at West Virginia State University