M. G. Harman to George Deas, July 16, 1861

Staunton, Va., July 16, 1861.

Col. GEORGE DEAS, Assistant Adjutant-General :

DEAR Sie: Inclosed is a communication sent you by telegraph, after waiting hours for the office to open.* It is most important that the telegraph offices should be open night and day, and that we should have a through connection between Richmond and Staunton, instead of having a relay at Gordonsville, and thereby creating great delay. The instrument at this office is nearly worn-out, as I months ago informed the superintendent of the telegraph line at Richmond in person. See that these matters are corrected.

very respectfully,

Major, Commanding.
P. S.—I have asked the President to allow me to establish a pony
express from this place to Monterey and Winchester. By all means,
ammunition of all sorts should be sent to this point immediately. I
have been notified to report at Richmond, for settlement of my accounts
as quartermaster, on the 15th of this month. My accounts are all ready,
but the present unfortunate state of affairs will prevent my attendance.