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to accede to any such demands had it been made.

That part of your dispatch directing me to "use my discretion when the regular channels failed" I confess to you I did not understand; and in regard to preferring loyal men for Agents, it is sufficient for me to say, that whenever I have had authority to appoint Agents, I have endeavored to the best of my ability to give the preference to loyal men, and I shall certainly do so, at all times and under all circumstances, very generally, those who now have control of the issues of supplies, are eminently disloyal men, but as I was allowed no voice in their appointment, it is hardly to be supposed that I could dismiss them.

When I was at Montgomery last, in a conversation with Major Kinsman, I tried to persuade him of the impracticability of a fair distribution of the supplies by the local authorities. My experience with the destitute of my district and the issuing of supplies to them had been such as to convince me of the impracticability of the change contemplated by circular No. 4, and as I wrote you, my observation since the change was made, has convinced me beyond doubt of my correctness.

In looking over this subject, I trust and believe you will be able to conclude that I have obeyed my instructions implicitly.

I am Genl, very respectfully
Your obedient servant
Jno B Callis
Bvt. Col. U.S.A. and Supt.
B. R. F and A. L.
Dist. Nor. Ala.
[1] P. S. May I expect to hear from you soon on the subject matter contained in the above communication
C.