one page, two sided, dated May 11, 1861, from headquarters of Virginia forces in Richmond to Major Francis M. Boykin at Grafton, reading: "Major, Your letter of the 7th has just been received and I regret to learn that the prospect of assembling the Volunteer Forces at Grafton is so unfavorable. You must persevere, however, and call out companies from the well affected counties and march them to Grafton, or such other point in that vicinity as you may select. Four hundred rifles & some ammunition, have been ordered from Staunton to Major Goff, Va. Vols. at Beverly Randolph Co., who has been directed to communicate their arrival to Col. Porterfield, and take his directions as to their disposition. You can by this means arm certain companies, and prepare them for service, preparatory to receiving those from Harper's Ferry. I do not think it prudent to order companies from other parts of the State to Grafton, as it might irritate, instead of conciliating, the population of that region on Colonel Porterfield's arrival at Grafton, communicate this letter to him", postscript added: "P.S. Major Goff has been directed to assemble some troops in his vicinity for the protection of the arms, and their safe conveyance to the point required", signed above postscript "R.E. Lee, Maj. Genl. Commd.", with letters of authenticity from R&R Enterprises and PSA/DNA,ÿ9-3/4 x 7-3/4 in.ÿ - Provenance: R&R Enterprises, April 2006, Catalog 308, Lot 521; Private Collection, Kingsport, Tennessee overall fine condition, light mailing folds, mild wrinkling, some toning to paperÿ