Col. Branton Duncan, of Kentucky.
This gentleman, who was the first to respond to Lincoln's war proclamation of April, one week thereafter, by equipping and bringing to Virginia 500 troops, has resigned his commission. Participating in the battle of Manassas, acting as one of Gen. Johnston's staff, he escaped uninjured from the deadly storm which overwhelmed so many gallant souls. The very first to come to the rescue of Virginia, Col. Duncan has remained until the insolent invader of our soil has been shamefully driven back to the Potomac, and the independence of the Southern Confederacy virtually achieved. He now returns to the West for purposes, doubtless, looking to the good of our cause. In another location a good account will be heard of him, as we do not think that, after recruiting his health, impaired by constant exposure in the field, the Colonel would either be willing to remain idle, or that he would be allowed to do so. His lot is now cast with us, regardless of the future action of Kentucky; and he can laugh at the confiscation of his large property in Kentucky, as our Government will confiscate enough to repay all true citizens for such losses. We take pleasure in laying before our readers another instance of Colonel Duncan's patriotism:I can think of no manner of celebrating this, my birth-day, more appropriate than that of sending you the enclosed check for $500 to be, used in aiding to defeat Lincoln's mercenaries.
Confederate States of America,
Tress'y Dep't, Richmond, July 11th, 61.
Cr. Blaston Duncan, Commanding Kentucky Volunteers, Winchester, Va.: Sir:
Your esteemed favor of the 2d instant, enclosing check for five hundred dollars, to be invested ‘"in the most appropriate manner to aid in the defeat of Lincoln's mercenaries,"’ has been received.
This liberal and patriotic donation is accepted by the Department, and shall be applied in the manner indicated.
It is truly gratifying to see a gallant son of Kentucky, yet attached to the old Union, not only baring his bosom to the foe, but liberally opening his purse to aid our cause.
With such aid and sympathy for the brave officers and soldiers of the Confederate States, this Department entertains a lively hope that the invaders will soon be driven from our soil. Cr. Blaston Duncan, Commanding Kentucky Volunteers, Winchester, Va.: Sir: