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"Colonel:

". . . Before the passage of our resolutions establishing corps of reserves throughout
the State, the regiment you command had been formed upon voluntary principles.

"It was accepted as formed and made subject to orders. . . .

"Your obedient servant,
"James Chestnut, Jr.,
"Chief Dept. Milty.
"To R. N. Gourdin,
"Lieutenant Colonel commanding Charleston Reserves."