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U.S. Marshal's Office
Mobile, Ala. Aug. 7th 1866.

Major,
In possession of your favor of the 2d inst, I have the honor to reply that, on account of Marshal Hardy's absence since the 20th ulta I could not comply with your direction at once, as it would not be fair, to go, while he has left me in charge of his office and that, expecting his return yesterday, I delayed the answer till today and would feel very sorry, if this fact should be of any disturbance, being very much pleased with your kind offer.

As to the duration of the respective position, I feel confident that, once on such a place, I will never give any cause to leave it, as long as you need me, but being engaged to a young respectable Lady, its permanency would be of appreciable value for me; I consider it a due act of honesty to