| Summary: | In the letter he mentions that exams have begun ("I have great doubts as to whether I can pass or not"), and he then discusses his desire to join a company being raised on campus: "The most of my friends have gone into it, and try very hard to get me to go with them, but I told them that I cannot go without your consent. That when I do go into the army that I think perhaps you will prefer my going with some of my Brothers. But if you would give me your consent to go with them I would gladly do so, especially as I would have many advantages in that organization which I would not have in the Legion or in any other organization. By going with Capt Storrs I get $50 bounty, have no guard, or pickett [sic] duty to perform, and am on horseback. If I cannot furnish my own horse the government will do it for me. Another advantage is that Clantons [sic] command will operate in the state; then besides this, there may be some chance for an office, although I see not the least now. If I could get into a position with any of my Brothers, I would rather be with them; but if I had to be mustered into a company and go it as a private I would not. Because I know of no company in the Legion that I would be willing to join as a private, and would not even much like the idea of joining the Autauga Guards as a private, although there are some very nice boys in it. If I have to go at all as a private I prefer going with a nice company and this company of which I have made mention is of as good material as any I know of." He assures his father that although "Some have joined without consulting their parents and think hard of any one who refuses to join on the plea of not having consulted their parents," he "shall not suffer myself to be influenced by their actions in the least." A transcription is included.
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