Letter from E.P. Jones to Colonel David J. Godwin, written May 28th, 1863 from Middlesex County, Virginia. The letter is a petition from Jones to Godwin to have authority and rank to raise a company of cavalry behind enemy lines. By this time Godwin was assigned to camp of instruction and conscription. Jones elaborates the necessity of obtaining a commission for his command so that he would not be seen as a spy if captured by the Federal army but would rather be treated as a prisoner of war. Jones cited an example in Kentucky to illustrate his point. Copy of transcription accompanies letter. Not transcribed by Virginia Tech Special Collections staff.