Kanawha C.H. West Va August 13th 1863
His Excellency, Governor
of West Virginia,
Sir
Having Respectfully request to be relieved of any further commanof [sic] of the 80th Regiment of Va. Militia, for reasons assigned, and deeming it disrespectful at the time, to make any suggestions or recommendations on my part. I have waited till this hour, to learn your pleasure, And not having any notice whatever, of the result of my request. I do, most respectfully request, and recommend to your favorable consideration Hiram Holstein as the most suitable and fit Officer belonging to the Regiment, upon whom the Command of said Regiment, of right, ought to be, confered [sic].
In fact, there is no other Man, within the lines of the Regiment, who is More suitable, if "Loyalty" is allowed its due weight.
Very Respectfully Sir,
Your Obedient Servant
A. Cunningham
Col 80th Regt Va Militia, until
informed to the contrary,
Transcription by Brandon Shuping, undergraduate student enrolled in Dr. Billy Joe Peyton's Fall 2010 "Introduction to Public History" at West Virginia State University