k. S. Garnett to Harper, April 26, 1861

General HARPER, Commanding Harper’s Ferry, Va. :

Sir: The commanding general desires you to report by letter, without delay, whether, after taking from Harper’s Ferry such machinery as it is necessary for the armory at this city, and which he hopes is now on its way, the condition of the factories at Harper’s Ferry will be such that the arms that are partly finished may be completed and brought into use, and whether, in a military point of view, it could be safely accomplished. In the mean time, if arms can be completed safely, finish them. The property referred to in the letter of yesterday was the machinery for the armory at this place, above referred to.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,