Jefferson Quotes & Family Letters

The orders of the Sec. of War to repair with all practicable dispatch to Leesburg to superintend the recruiting service of the Regiment, as communicated by you, were received on the 18th inst. at 9. P.M. This is the first mail since. There are impediments; not of a private nature, which prevent my immediate departure from home for the place designated. Some time early in March I shall be there ready to obey any orders from the department. In the mean time I shall send Captain Bernard Peyton thither to receive communications, and act for me untill I arrive. The Adjutant of the Regiment Lieutenant Hayes, being in at present on furlough, it is important for me to know immediately, whether a speedy collection of all the recruits at the different depots of the 20th be intended, that I may keep him in Virginia to assist in organizing them. Information whether the company stationed at Norfolk is to remain there or join the Regiment immediately would be thankfully received. I cannot refrain from expressing my hope that the Regiment will not be divided. The only impulse I have to service, the prospect of being in some degree usefull is of course greatly affected by that circumstance.