Col: F. H. Smith
Mr. Edmd T. D. Myers1 has been speaking to me about T. M. R. Talcott2 lately appd. 2nd Lt: of P. A. He thinks Lt. T. is much underated & has more knowledge & experience than those young gentlemen at Norfolk, one of whom Dimmock was appd Captain. I would therefore recommend that 2nd Lt. T. be promoted 1st Lt: He is in charge of the office at N. & Mr Myers says his father Col: T. will not speak in his behalf. Mr M. said nothing in his behalf, but I believe I understood you to say that he was promoted Capt.
Will you please bring this matter to the notice of the Govr
Truly
R E Lee
21 May [1861]
[enclosure]
My dear Col
Can you let me see you this morg as early after your breakfast as Convenient
Very truly
R E Lee
Richmond ‘61
Source: Sarah Henderson Smith Papers, Mss1 Sm 653 a, p. 52, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond
Transcribed by Colin Woodward, 2017 August 1
1. Edmund Trewbridge Dana Myers (183-1905). He was born in Petersburg, Virginia, and worked on the staff of John B. Magruder during the war. After the war, he worked for the railroads and is buried in Richmond in Hollywood Cemetery.
2. Thomas Mann Randolph Talcott (1838-1920). A native of Pennsylvania, he served in the Confederate army as an artillery officer and also worked on Robert E. Lee’s staff. He died in Richmond and is buried in Hollywood Cemetery.
