May 13, 1862
Office Chief S. C. Mountain Department.
Wheeling, Va., May 5, 1862.
Sealed proposals (marked "Proposals to be opened May 17") will be received at this office until 2 o'clock P. M. on 17th inst., for furnishing all the Fresh Beef that may be required for troops in the field composing the Brigade of Brig. Gen. J. D. Cox, for two months, commencing on the 1st day of June next. The Beef to be of good, wholesome quality, and to be delivered in equal portions of fore and hind quarters (necks and shanks excluded) in such quantities as may be required by the Commissary of the Brigade. The probable quantity to be delivered each week will be eighty thousand pounds. The contractor will be required to keep an agent near the Headquarters of the Brigade, with an adequate supply of cattle constantly on hand, ready to fill orders from the Commissary of the Brigade. Payments will be made monthly for the amount of Fresh Beef delivered, on the presentation of the Brigade Commissary's receipt therefor. The accepted bid will form the basis of the written contract of the usual form and conditions.:Bond in the sum of ten thousand dollars, with two sureties, whose individual responsibility for the above sum shall be certified to by the Clerk of the Court where they reside, will be required. Proposals must be accompanied by the oath of allegiance of the party making the bid. Proposals from a firm must specify the names and residences of the individuals composing it. Each proposal must be accompanied by a written Guarentee [sic] signed by the party making the bid and the proposed sureties. The certificates of responsibility, above referred to, must accompany the guarantee.
We _____ of _____, _____, of _____ and _____ of _____ do hereby guaranty that, should the proposal of _____ _____ be accepted, that he (or they) will forthwith sign the contract and file the required bond, or we will pay to the United States the loss sustained by the difference between his (or their) bid and the next higher.
J. W. Barriger
Capt. And C. S. U. S. A.,
Chief C. S. Mountain Dep't.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: May 1862