Lynchburg June 19th 1861

To his Excellency John Letcher Gov of Va

The undersigned having learned that our fellow townsman Wm. R. Musser has been ordered to proceed with his company to Manassas Junction, respectfully represent, that Mr. Musser since the commencement of hostilities has been largely engaged in supplying our troops with tents etc. and is still engaged in filling orders with a large stock of material on hand. In addition to this he is one of the finest mechanics in this section of country, having served his apprenticeship with Denmead in Bath and is with perhaps few exceptions the only one competent to get up new machinery that may likely be wanted for Government purposes. In view of his qualifications and usefulness at home we respectfully request that your Excellency will order his discharge. Maurice Langhorne, Jr.

[on verso] Thos D. Jellis, Genl Frt. A M.R. Bohannan, acting Col. of 131 Regt. [E. S.] Gill Chas W. Button A.M.Trible Samuel McCorkle I concur in the foregoing statement in regard to Pvt Musser W. M. Speed C.R. Slaughter R. H. Glass

Headqtrs Richmond Va 24 June 1861 Private Musser having volunteered his services to the state, I do not think it just to himself that he should be discharged, unless he request it himself for reasons of such a nature to render his discharge necessary for the public service or when conditions that he furnish an acceptable substitute. R. E. Lee, Genl Comd'g

Ex Dept June 26 1861 Refd to Gen. Lee with recommendation that the man be discharged. By order S. Bassett French ADC to Gov

Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter requests that William R. Musser be released from military duty in order to conduct essential war service in Lynchburg.