Kenton Harper to John Letcher, April 22, 1861

: Harper’s Ferry, Va., April 22, 1861. [Governor LETCHER: DEAR GOVERNOR: I have endeavored to keep you advised of my action here. Two official communications have been made through the adjutant-general and two communications to yourself. So far 1 have had no written instructions from you. My object has been, not only ” to secure all the efficient arms here, and remove the machinery in such @ manner as that it may be readily put together again, as well as all the unfinished guns, but to have an inventory made of the public property, so that the officers charged with the details may be held to proper account. Of course I could do no more than adopt such general directions of military affairs as were important for the security of my position—the details being left to the ranking brigadier-general (Carson). I am now though this terrible pressure, however, in regard to the public property, and intend to assume at once the active military command. I have now about twenty-four hundred men here. Not knowing what troops you ordered, I have received all which offered. The hourly telegraphic dispatches sent in are exciting; but I feel calm, as I have taken adequate measures to guard against surprise. Some here, who do not know, no doubt think I am rather incredulous as regards their information. But trust me; I am well posted, and shall be found ready. The responsibilities assumed by me, under the circumstances in which I was placed, have been heavy; but the exigencies were pressing, and I rest with confidence on the record of my proceedings for full vindication of all my acts. If man could have effected more, then I am willing to be condemned. ; From the information I have of the condition of the guns in progress of manufacture, there are components to fit up readily for use from seven to ten thousand stand of arms, exclusive of those rescued uninjared from the flames. I have employed artificers to put these together, and am turning out daily several hundred minnie muskets. You must sustain me. Iam wholly unprovided with funds. I can get them from the Winchester banks, if you will give authority. You may judge of the state of things here when I say even Virginia money will procure nothing, but at an enormous discount, in the stores of the place. With sincere regard, yours,

KENTON HARPER,