Letter from S. L. Whittington to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; March 30, 1861

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Letter from S. L. Whittington to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; March 30, 1861

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People

Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867 Whittington, S. L.

Events

Confederate States of America--Draft

Military Units

Confederate States of America. Army Mississippi Home Guard

Occupations

Newspaper editors

Places

Florida--Escambia County. Pensacola Mississippi--DeSoto County. Hernando

Page 1

Hernando DeSoto County Miss

March 30 1861

Hon. J J. Pettus:—Dear Sir:—Though quite a heavy draft has been made upon our county, (four complete companies having left here for Pensacola), the military spirit or patriotic ardor has not in the least abated

A meeting was held here today for the purpose of organizing a company of Free Rangers It was a complete success; and I was requested to address you for the privilege; or for a commission

The company is mounted armed and equipped (or will be) and is destined for a home patrol, or, in case of war on land, to [?] about the position of Marion's men of Revolution memory. We do not wish to tender our services to you, particularly, inasmuch as we see no probability of being soon called upon—

you must know the danger with which we are now surrounded, being stripped of most of our young men; and we desire to have a commission from you enabling us to act authoritatively whereever there is necessity, But our most expected du-ty will occur in the event we are invaded and you will know the advantage of a well drilled company of Rangers for Border services. I do not exactly understand myself, how this commission is to be gained, but you, I feel certain, will do all in your power to enable Mississippians to distinguish themselves.

An early answer, with commission or in-structions will much oblige 30 as loyal and brave fellows as ever lived; likewise

your obedient servant S L Wittington
Editor Peoples Press

Page 2

S. L. Whittington
Hernando