Viewing page 5 of 262

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Now I cannot see the justice of using the word "persecuted" by Mr: Deweese: it being a notorious fact that he was placed in arrest for specifically violating the 5th Art. of War by using "contemptuous & disrespectful words against the President of the U.S." and that in some mysterious manner he escaped the prescribed penalty; and, in conclusion I must say that Mr Deweese has avowedly placed the whole matter in the light of a personal & political quarrel, with which I think the Military authorities have no just reason to interfere.

Very respectfully
Your obt. servant
Wm. F. Smith
Captn & Asst. Surgn U.S.A.
Surgn=in=Chief of N.C. 

Bt Lt Col. Jacob F. Chur.
Act. Asst. Adjt. General.
Raleigh. N.C.

Transcription Notes:
Deweese, not Devreese