I'm replying to my own post as I have just received information on the John Stover (J. S.) Hays I had asked about a few weeks ago (he is my 3x great-grandfather).

My aunt sent me copies of two letters from his commanding officer, Capt. Augustus Pifer on May 12th, 1905 to Hays' widow:

Handwritten at top: "Your father enlisted as private and was made Captain of Scouts after enlisted in Co. A. 39th Bat. Virginia Cav. Captain A. P. Pifer, Com' Officer Major John H. Richardson"

Type-written below:

"To Whom It May Concern:
This certifies that J. S. Hays was a member of the 39th Battalion Virginia Cavalry (S.G. & C., Lee's Body Guard). [Illegible----???] ...well thought of by Genl. R.E. Lee who often asked for Hays when he wished some special duty to be peformed. Hays was always ready and always responded with alacrity. Hays never flinched not shirked. I believe Hays deserved as well of his country as any man in the confederacy.

Newberry, S.C.
12th May, - 05

Augustus P. Pifer
Formerly Captain Co. A, 39th Batn.
Va. Cavalry (Lee's Body Guard)"

Then there is a handwritten note that I believe reads:

"Mr. ???, Rays is dead. Mr. Shanon is living way back in the mountains here at Doom's (sic) Mill = the only living comrade I was able to find."