My Own dear Mother.

For many reasons this day is the pleasantest of my connection with the 1st V^a P Rangers I was this evening unanimously elected 1st Lieut of comp^y K, Cavalry, which has been raised by my efforts and Captn Imbodens [i.e., Capt. Francis M. Imboden, Co. K, 62nd Virginia Mounted Infantry (1st Virginia Partisan Rangers)] since my return. I am particularly gratified because the other officers are the best in the Regt, the Captⁿ being a brother of Gen Imbodens [i.e., Col. John D. Imboden, 62nd Virginia Mounted Infantry (1st Virginia Partisan Rangers)] again because the election was unanimous and decidedly complimentary, and lastly but not least because it gratifies

my own mother and satisfies the ambition of my darling Sue. Corp^l Monroe Blue whose name was lately made conspicuous by his gallant conduct in Hampshire was elected 3d Lieut. My dear Father will doubtless be pleased to hear of his boys success. Imboden and the staff publicly congratulated me this evening. Tell Mat [i.e., Capt. Mathias Ginevan, Co. H, 62nd Virginia Mounted Infantry (1st Virginia Partisan Rangers)] I took twenty of his men with me but he still has a good company and as full as the law allows according to the Co^l recent orders. Tomorrow we elect the field officers of the 16th V^a Cavalry-2d P Rangers. I sincerely hope Mat is better and we all desire to hear from him but Luth [i.e., 2nd Lt. Luther Ginevan, Co. H, 62nd Virginia Mounted Infantry (1st Virginia Partisan Rangers)] and myself insist that he shall not come out until perfectly well

Send me word what a cavalry uniform 1st Lieuts will cost in Chrville [i.e., Charlottesville] also what they will charge for trimming a coat with cavalry trimmings — name the price of each article particularly as some of my brother officers are desirous of having parts of uniforms made furthermore, send by Mat enough of my cadet buttons like those you put on my overcoat for a coat—remember the kind — My comp^y will start in a few days on a long scout in which we expect to make some heavy requisitions on Old Abe's quartermaster. Tell Willie to tell Lillie my position—and when you see my own Sue tell her the charge of my

promotion, bless her is laid in great measure to her ambition thank God I am able to gratify it. — Write soon and direct to

          G Julian Pratt
          1st Lieut Comp^y "K" / Cavalry —
          Care of Col J D Imboden
          Staunton V^a

My best love to dear brothers and divide the enclosed with them to spend in wine which must be drank to the health of "Brother & Sue".

Good night dear Mother
Your dutiful Son
G Julian Pratt.