Sir:

The high opinion I have of your discretion induced me to suspect the Express of whom General Sumner has made mention to

This induced a narrow examination and inspection of the handwriting, which, upon comparison with yours which I had in my hands and with some which one of the officers had, appeared very plainly not to be yours.

Upon this discovery I opened the letters and no doubt remained that you had no knowledge of that part of the transaction which was blameable.

I should have ordered a prosecution had I not considered that the honor of the Corps was concerned in duly punishing and restraining such liberties taken with their names, and, therefore, I chose to leave him to their own jurisdiction.

I am sensible of the force of your reasoning in the case of the officers who have been excluded from a supply of clothing under Colonel Martin’s directions.

I suppose his distinction arose from mistake or misinformation. I have unwillingly given my sentiments on a matter of which the Corps are far better Judges, and I refer you to Lieutenant Colonel Murfree and Lieutenant Pasteur for the orders I have taken relatively to this affair.