J. M. Prior to John M. Snyder

Rolla, Missouri,

August 21st 1864

Colonel John M. Snyder

Dear Sir - I have thus far managed to get along first-rate, and have to thank you for the kind interest manifested in my behalf.

Rolla is a miserable hole, and I don't think the authorities could have planted us in a worse place, with, perhaps, the exception of that location where dealers in coal have no occasion to pursue their interesting vocation. The health of the Regiment has been very bad - we have lost several by disease. Newton and George Rutledge, however, are as hearty as a couple of bucks, and send their respects and regards to you.

The men of the 145th have been greatly disappointed in Colonel Lackey - in

what manner I leave you to surmise. You know that an humble subaltern would be very imprudent to criticise his Colonel too closely.

If you see Mackenzie I wish you would tell him, for me, that this hundred day trip would have been a "bully trip" for him. He'd have learned something else besides making money.

One thing more, I want to bore you again by asking you as a special favor to request the Governor and Gen. Fuller to grant me permission to raise a company for special State service. I am confident I can raise a full one, composed of good men. I wish you would send me such written authority at your earliest convenience and I will go to work.

Hoping that this will be my last

round in Missouri, I subscribe myself

Yours truly

J. M. Prior

P.S. Allow me to congratulate you on the new phase in your existence, and Newt requests me to ask "How much will you give for a substitute?"

J. M. P.

Prior J. M.

Rolla, Mo.

Augst 21st 1864

Wants to know if he can get authority, to raise a company for Special State service.

answered Aug 29 64

Snyder

ADC