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helped themselves. But I am certain I mentioned no names, much less John Levine's name, for all my suspicion fell on an other individual. From that general remark, only could have Mr. Fitz have gathered his statements as I know that I have never at any time given him other ground for any such remark. I very cheerfully make this statement for John Levine. And will add to it my own personal request that his case may be more carefully looked into as I can cut believed that an honest, steady, industrious man has been hastily judged & very much wronged.
I am
Yours most of the 
Feb 1st '66 Benj. W. Pond.
Supt School B. of F.-.
P.S.
I may state as a reason of my confidence in John Levine's honesty, that I have often left him, a long time together, without overseeing or any thing of the kind. Have, upon my return always found work done to the best of his ability & faithful return made of all remnants of etrch &c. & have no reason to believe that at any of the many times when he might easily have appropriated materials, he ever done so, [[strikethrough]] with [[/strikethrough]], such things give me great confidence in him. B.W. Pond.