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Georgetown So. Carolina
December 9th 1864.
Major-
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from your office, Enclosing Circular letter from War Dept in regard to the willingness of officers to remain in service as civilian agents. 
I would most respectfully state, that I have no desire to so remain: but, that if my services would be of value to the country, to Genl Howard, or to Genl Scott, in perfecting the plans, and forwarding the objects for which the Bureau was established, and for which the officers who have had the charge of the advancement & betterment of the condition of the freedpeople have so earnestly labored, I would be glad to say, that I might as far as possible be an instrument of perpetuating the principles which caused me to leave my home in 1861 & which in part have been my guide and support under the trials & hardships since endured: and I would wish it understood (should I remain) that I desire no more pay for the services than will meet the necessities of life while so employed.
I take this opportunity to thank my Superior officers for their kindness and forbearance towards me, for I have sometimes given way too much to the disappointments of selfish motives, and to vexations of mind the natural result of a shattered constitution—
I am very Respectfully
E. W. Everson

Maj Edw. L. Deane
A.A.A. Genl
Hd Qrs Asst Comr So. Ca.