Col. S Cooper 
Adgt. Genl U.S.A. 
Washington City, D.C. 
         HQrs 2 Cavy 
         Louisville 18 May 1855 
 
Col. 
 Capt. Oakes 2 Cav reports that he has been able to procure in Pittsburg a government building in which he has opened his unit rendezvous, thereby saving the rent of a house. He will thus be able to accommodate 40 or 50 men, & desires his Compy clothing may be forwd to Pittsburg instead of Newport Bks so that he can take charge of it himself & uniform his men as soon as enlisted, and attend personally to their instruction until prepared to receive arms. As Newport Bks is so crowded, I have been obliged today to send there 23 men enlisted by Capt. Hane, & Jefferson Bks gives indication of becoming unhealthy, it seems to me to be desirable to relieve both depots at present of as many recruits as possible. & if not too late, I would request the destination of the clothing for Capt. Oakes Co. “C” be changed to Pittsburg. For the same reasons I would recommend if you deem it necessary that Bt Major Van Dorn’s Compy be collected at the fort at Mobile Point, unless some better arrangement for their accommodation can be made, until some point is definitely arranged for the concentration of the Regt. Should this meet your approval the clothing for his Comp “A” might also be sent to him. Capt. Palmers recruits might also for the present be retained at Fort McHenry 
 I am very respy your obt servt            R E Lee Bt Col 
       Lt Col 2 Cavy