Robert E. Lee to J. W. Ware

Your communication of the 26th has been received. I regret to learn that there are no unassigned companies with Gen'l Johnston with which to form the neucleus of your regiment, and I am sorry that I know no companies which could be assigned to you.

As regards the regiments being raised by Colonels Edmundson & Mc Donald, I have no knowledge of their character. I would suggest that you endeavor to raise companies for your own regiments, for which you had authority in a previous letter, and by reporting these to Gen'l Johnston, he will cause them to be mustered into service.

Very Resp'ly Your obd't serv't

R E Lee Gen'l Comd'g

Colonel J. W. Ware Berryville, Clarke Co Va