Robert E. Lee to Jubal A. Early, May 6, 1861

Col. JUBAL A. EARLY, Rocky Mountain, Franklin County, Va. :

COLONEL: Youare directed to repair to Lynchburg, Campbell County, Va., and to take command of the troops that will be mustered into the service of the State at that point by Lieut. Col. D. A. Langhorne. You will organize these troops into regiments, associating, as far as possible, troops from the same section of the State. The troops from the counties of Campbell, Bedford, Roanoke, Botetourt, and Craig are to be united distinct from those of the other counties, except so far as muy be necessary to complete their organization. Place them under such officers as may be available, until their proper officers are appointed by the governor. You are requested to organize, instruct, and prepare the whole force for service at as early a day as possible, and to report, as soon as possible, the number of companies mustered into the service of the State, their arms, condition, &.

respectfully, &c.,