Fitz J. Porter to Lewis Wallace, July 19, 1861

COLONEL:

In reply to your communication of yesterday* the commanding general directs me to say that there is no intention or desire to retain the regiment beyond their term of service against the will of the members. He, however, earnestly desires and appeals to the regiment to remain a short time over its term, to enable him to relieve it without the great injury to the service resulting from the loss of a large and valuable portion of this command. The sudden depletion of this force jeopardizes its safety and the interest of the country, which your regiment came out to defend, and have nobly sustained. In his appeal now to the brave he feels that sacrifices will be made till this place can be safely held and this force not be compelled toretire. Re-enforcements are promised and daily expected, and as rapidly as he can relieve every regiment which desires to go he will do so. He knows, too, that as long as danger threatens the regiment will not leave. Can you give him assurances they will remain till he can safely relieve them, which he thinks cannot exceed ten days, and may be much less?

very respectfully, your obedient servant,