Robert F. Astrop to Robert E. Lee, 1 June 1861
 June 1st 1861
 
Gen.                                                   
            I propose to organise one or two thousand of the Home Guard, in Brunswick and adjacent Counties as a Guerilla Force, for the protection of our vicinity in case of need, or to annoy any enemy that may be passing through Virginia. We will arm and equip ourselves in our own way, at our own expense, and have no pay or reward for our services. I must have no superiors but those above the rank of Major General, such as our Gov. President Davis &c. None will join my Division but by consent.
 
            Protection for our homes is our main object and to annoy an invading army in the manner of Rangers. Without my consent we will not be compelled to act beyond the bounds of such of our neighboring counties as you may think proper to place under my authority.
 
I served in the Mex. war in Capt. Talbott's Comp. as a Lieut. Was Lieut. Col. Va 96th Regt. M. a Member Association for the Advancement of Science &c. &c. and beg leave to refer you to Gen. James L. Kemper & Gen. T. P. August (and I think Gen. Wool will remember my name & signature!)
                                                                                               
R. F. Astrop
Crichton's Store
(Brunswick County)
Va.
 
[overleaf]
 
Brunswick
June 1st 1861
R.F. Astrop
 
Propose to organise
a force of Rangers—
            Hd Qrs Va Forces
                        Richmond, June 8th
 
Respectfully referred to
Adj't Gen'l W. H. Richardson,
as the matter does not
come under my super-
vision.             R [?]
            Gen'l Comd'g
June 8 1861
Governors attention
 
5 June 1861
 
Calas Farm
            May 30            Paid
Adjt. Gen. Va. Forces, Richmond, Va.
4002
DATABASE CONTENT
(4002)DL1678166Letters1861-06-01

Letter by Robert F. Astrop, Brunswick County, Virginia, June 1, 1861, to Robert E. Lee, re: offering to organize and arm a guerilla force of partisan rangers to defend Brunswick and adjacent Counties; Endorsed on reverse by Robert E. Lee, June 8, 1861


Tags: Defense of Home, Guerrilla Warfare, Guns, History, Jefferson Davis, Militia

People - Records: 2

  • (1874) [recipient] ~ Lee, Robert Edward
  • (4082) [writer] ~ Astrop, Robert F.

Places - Records: 1

  • (2602) [origination] ~ Brunswick County, Virginia

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SOURCES

Robert F. Astrop to Robert E. Lee, 1 June 1861, DL1678, Nau Collection