New Martinsville May 22d, 1863
Adgent General Samuels
Sir
I as Captin of Home Guard at this plaice wish to inform you that a Large Majority of our County Meletia is reables and this day thay have Elected a Captin that was taken to the Athenium for Treason and the Union men of the county consider him as a bitter rebble at this time, and all wish you not to commission him by any means, his name is William Guthrie.
Very Respectfully Yours
Eli Brookover Capt
Home Gard WA Co.