1/2 page, 4to, on a bifolium (see below), a few separations to folds with occasional repairs. 

Secretary of War Judah P. Benjamin writes to J. L. M. Curry, then Deputy from Alabama to the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States: "The above Circular will furnish to Cap. Forney and the other gentlemen names in your letter all needed information in regard to the organization and acceptance of troops. you will oblige by communicating the same below." Accomplished on an integral blank leaf of a circular printed by the Confederate States of America War Department, issued November 21, 1861.  

[With:] CURRY, Jabez Lamar Monroe (1825-1903). Autograph letter signed ("J. L. M. Curry"), to William Henry FORNEY (1823-1894), n.p., n.d. Accomplished beneath Benjamin's note to Curry.  In part: "The foregoing circular and letter are the result of my written and oral application in your behalf. I have no doubt but that you could raise a Regiment in Alabama and if you will undertake it and succeed, the [?] of Colonel will be fixed to you." Forney would ultimately rise to the rank of Brigadier General in the 10th Regiment Alabama Infantry of the Confederate States Army. After the war, he was appointed by President Grover Cleveland to be a member of the Gettsyburg Battlefield Commission and served until his death.