Charleston Va. May 17, 1863
HJ Samuels
Sir,
I got my guns &c. on safely + I have my Company now together. + am almost surrounded with Rebels. My Clothing Boxes has been opened + some of them gone. But how much, I do not precisely know, but I only found 18 shirts. The men need them badly I also need a copy of the US Army Regulations + a few copies Infy TacTics, which I cannot get here. the army not having enough to supply themselves, Gen Schammon on Receiving your Letters furnished me what I wanted, very kindly if the Rebs don't get me you should hear from again shortly.
If you can send me those Books send them to the Care of Gen Scammon, himself there is great excitement here.
Yours in haste
Benjn L Stephenson
Capt. Com Co Va. VM
Transcription by Rose Feazell, undergraduate student enrolled in Dr. Billy Joe Peyton's Fall 2010 "Introduction to Public History" at West Virginia State University