To His Excelency (sic) AI Boreman
Gov of the commonwealth of the state of West Va.
Dear Sir, we the undersigned world would respectfully represent. That we reside near the mouth of Coal River out side of the line of the Army and are exposed to outrages on our persons and property we have had to endure this for two tedious years and to Relive the country we are proud to have it to say that nearly all that counts of our loyal men have entered the U.S. Service and they have taken many of the verry (sic) men that are now Plundering Senior men's houses and even a few days since took horses from the plow of one of our neighbours (sic) shot at a man on the road All once, twice, and some three times have taken the oath and are allowed to return to theyre (sic) pernicious [?] We no longer hope to be relieved by the U.S. Soldiers we se (sic) it will not be done. The officers of the Law dare not pass through the countys South of this. We desire to be relieved and know that a different pollicy [sic] mus [sic] be employed. We pray you therefore to grant to Robert Brooks. Late Sgt. In US Service a authority to Raid a Co. of scouts. To remain in the Service 1 2 or 3 or 5 years if kneed [sic] be. We ask this because He recruited a Co. here and done more good while scouting than has been done beside.
He is a man of good moral character, profound judgement [sic], good courage, and a true patriot. Refferance may be had to William I Boreman J.M. Phelps of the Sent . R Hager of the legislation He is well acquainted through all the countries. South of this back to Tazwell his native place being confident that the best results will follow our prayer is that you grant him a commission and give him orders and they will be carried out and we and others will be the Recipients of good, for which we will ever pray
Yours Most Respectfully
R.H.M. Smith- Sgt. in So. Va Militia
James Pauley- Va Native
Thomas M Bryan- Captian of a company of 80
John L. Bryan
William A. Bryan
Thomas Hawkins- Pastr (sic) in Ms. Baptist 6th R Lt in 80 R Va [?]
Mouth Cole, Kanawha Co
Transcription by Jack Stephenson, undergraduate student enrolled in Dr. Billy Joe Peyton's Fall 2010 "Introduction to Public History" at West Virginia State University