Transcription: Abingdon Va June 12, 1860 Dear Sir: If consistent with your duty will you be so kind as to let me know what were the "special and important reasons" which induced you to write to me asking whether The remark that Dr. [William H.] Pitts had stated, when a witness in the Brownlow trial, that he was a graduate of the Richmond Medical College was a "mere rumor [underscore] or a substantiated fact"? I am requested to write you this by several members of the Profession in this place. We have understood that Dr. P. expects to obtain Diploma from your College! Be so kind as {to} let me hear from you by earliest convenience. Yours very respectfully M.L. Barn [Addressed:] Prof. L[evin] S[mith] Joynes, M.D.