John W. Marshall served as Captain of Co. "H", Hawpe's 31st Texas Cavalry Regt. from May 1862 until his unconditional resignation, submitted Dec. 27, 1862. Marshall's letter cites his advanced age, loss of his overseer to conscription, three sons in Confederate service, and the need to provide for his wife. The letter is addressed to Lieut. Col. R. P. Crump.