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the South Carolinians. The mustered out men & officers of the 2nd & 3rd North Carolina reg'ts raised in this vicinity, are going about with pistols in their belts, and bragging about what they will do when the d-d nigger troops go.

I expect to be in command here today as Gen'l [[Craft?]] is relieved. I think if they give me a chance I will make the "40th niggers" remembered in E Tennessee.

I have ordered all Ass't Sup'ts to their regiments, and shall close my office at once as cannot enforce any orders after that crushing telegram.

Farewell short lived power, and most anxious duty. I part from you with mixed feelings, of regret, because I had hopes of benefitting the persecuted race, and  of pleasure, because it releases me from a most responsible and troublesome duty and  restores me to a command for which I am better fitted by eight years of military life.

Believe me to be Dear General
Very truly yours
F. W. Lister
Bvt Brig'er General &
G. B.R.F & A L. [[GDK.?]]