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indefinitely continued. I am not yet fully posted as to your powers in increasing pay of civilians but think you can engage a few at $150 per month.  Will write on that point tomorrow, and on any other points on which light can be gained.

My private business stands as follows.  Called on the Chief Justice, who received me very kindly but said that he had not found his influence to be of much avail in the War Department - that he could accomplish nothing unless he were to beg the Secretary for an appointment which he could not and which I assured him I would not ask or expect him to do.  He endorsed your letter "Respectfully commended to the Secretary of War".  Gen Howard made a favorable endorsement on your letter, but said the Secretary would probably not see that there was much difference between a Second Lieutenantcy and a Captaincy as the latter would come from the former eventually.  Singular reasoning I thought.  Gen Grant I have not seen as he has been out of town but shall probably see him tomorrow.