William Wirt to Thomas Mann Randolph

Sir

Charles A. Cox the 1st sergeant of this Cop Company, lately condemned by a court martial to be reprimanded, received that reprimanded reprimand on saturday evening. Yesterday he obtained permission to leave the camp for a few minutes—he was absent last night & this morning at roll call—& I understood, made frequent menaces while under arrest, which confirm me in the belief that he has deserted. His residence is in Richmond. I presume that he ought to be immediately pursued and an example made of him. The forbearance used towards Murray & Winston has probably encouraged the attempt. My company is so thin, that if co-incident business in Richmond shd make it convenient to a fuller company to detach pursuers, if pursuit is to be made, it would greatly advance our discipline.

Yrs mo respy
Wm Wirt

If steps are not taken as to Cox, I shall despair of keeping my company on the ground.

RC (MHi); addressed: “Colo Thomas Mann Randolph. Head Quarters Worronigh Church”; endorsed in an unknown hand: “19th Sept 1814 letter from Capt Wirt”; with unrelated calculations on address cover.
Date Range
Date
September 19, 1814
Collection
Repository