Letter from Captain R. A. Joyner to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus;
February 5, 1863
Page 1 [seal] Camp 3 Miss Yazoo River Feby 5th/63
His Excellency J J. Pettus
Sir I see that at the last session of the state Legisla-ture, an act was passed, authorizing you to appoint three suitable persons to raise three regiments of Cavalry for state service.
I apply to you for the Command of one of these Regiments. I am now Captain of Co F 3d Miss Col T. A. Mellon. my reasons for re-questing this Change, are briefly these 1st I am well posted in Cavalry drill, having served as a Cavalry soldier in the Mexican War.
2nd I cannot stand the Infantry on account of Rheumatism, which disease renders me incapable of enduring the hardships of a long march
Page 2 But my principle reason for requesting this change is that I wish to see active service.
Our Regiment, as you well know has been under arms for eighteen months, during which time we've never met the enemy. Therefore I as
one of Mississippi's sons do not wish to see the end of this war without having met the invad on the battle field.
Governor, as to my qualifications as a military man, and officer I beg to refer you to the officers of my Regiment in general, also to Lieut Col. Brown of the 36th Miss, Captain Seales of the 38th Miss. & Representative of Hancock Co. Captain J. J. Smythe of Hinds and late Qr Master of this Regiment I should not have applied for this position had it not been suggested
Page 3 to me by Captain Lowry who is now in command of a company of Cavalry in the northern portion of the state. Captain Lowry offered to place his company with two others (now organized) under my command.
I can get these three companies at any time. I under-stand that Major Steed's Cavalry on on the Coast has been disbanded. I am a resident of Hancock Co. where the most of these men reside, and I flatter myself that I can influence, at least two of Major Steeds old companies to join my command.
Governor, if you see proper to give me the Commission I can only pledge my word to do my duty in driving our ruthless enemy from my native soil Hoping to soon hear from you on the subject I am your obedt servt
R A. Joyner Capt Co F 3 Miss Regmt
Page 4 Capt R. A. Joyner 3d Regt Miss Vol Vicksburg Miss
