June 21, 1861
Page 2
Proposition for a Cavalry Company
I PROPOSE that SEVENTY-FIVE or ONE HUNDRED gentlemen of Alabama form themselves into an irregular CAVALRY COMPANY; each man to furnish his own Horse and Uniform; the arms to be provided by the Secretary of War if he has such as we want. It is proposed that we choose our own Officer from among ourselves, with the exception of our Captain, who shall have seen service and be thoroughly competent to command us; that we march from Mobile to the seat of war on horseback, the said march to be an unremitting drill during each day’s travel. The distances should be short and the time properly chosen so as to fatigue neither horse nor rider. By this means we shall arrive in Virginia a splendidly drilled Company, well fitted for active service. We will then be mustered into service, and consequently at the expense of the Government.
This trip can be made at a small outlay, for the patriotic people on the route will furnish us with forage free.
All who desire to join this Company will address the undersigned, or call at this office and subscribe to the roll.
Any letters from the country will be promptly answered.
All papers please copy who choose.
PAUL RAVESIES
[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]