Spencer July 1st 1864
Geo. W. Brown Esq
QM. General
Sir
After the disbanding of Captains Ellison's & Donaldson's Companies I made considerate change in my muster[sic] roll by discharging some and putting the best and most effectual men from the disbanded companies in their places.
My company is now composed of the best material of the country.
As things now stand they are sufficient for the protection of the country against the Guerrillas and thieves.
There are but few of that class left. Times are more quick in Calhoun Co now than they have been before since the commencement of the Rebellion.
There are some Southern Soldiers come in & I arrest them and send them to Parkersburg as fast as I can get hold of them.
The men that were discharged and other well disposed persons are receipting for Guns and arming themselves to protect their homes from the ravages of thieves; this angers well, and will give better protection than we have had heretofore.
I enclose the Muster Roll required and remain
Your abt svt
Hiram Chapman
Transcription by Jeffrie Carroll, undergraduate student enrolled in Dr. Billy Joe Peyton's Fall 2010 "Introduction to Public History" at West Virginia State University