Simon Cameron to W. Nelson, U. S. N, August 29, 1861

Lieut. W. NELSON, U. S. N., Camp Dick Robinson, near Bryantsville, Ky. :

SIR: Understanding that you may need 600 mules of the largest class for purpose of transportation, you are authorized by the Department to purchase them at a price not to exceed $125 each, to average fifteen . hands high.

If you deem it to the interest of your command not to have these mules delivered immediately, you can arrange to have them transferred to your possession any time within the next two months, not to be paid for until delivered. j

This Department desires that purchases shall, as far as possible, be made in the country where the troops are raised, in the hope that it will have a beneficial effect upon the Union sentiments of the people.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,