Text: Edgar Allan Poe to James Pleasants, Jr. — November 17, 1824 (LTR-001)

To his Excellency the Governor & Council of Virga

Gentlemen

At the request of the members of the Richmond Junior Volunteers we beg leave to solicit your permission for them to retain the arms which they lately were permitted to draw from the armory. We are authorized to say that each Individual will not only pledge himself to take proper care of them, but we ourselves will promise to attend strictly to the order in which they are kept by the Company —

We have the honor to be
    Gentlemen
Your Mo. Obt Servts
John Lyle   Capt R J V
Edgar A. Poe   Lieut

Richmond 17th Novr 1824