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Springdale, Cedar Co. Iowa.
Aug't 1st 1865
Hon'r J Harlan
Sec'y of Interior. 
Dear Sir.
On the 29th of last June, I had the pleasure of forwarding to you, a letter of recommendation from the Hon'r S.J Kirkwood, ex governor of Iowa. I desire very gratefully to acknowledge your valuable cooperation with its design. 
I am informed in answer to my application to the "Bureau of Freedmen &c" for some position in it, that "No appropriation of Funds has been made by Congress to pay Civilians, hence only Military men under pay can be employed."
I then applied by mail to the Hon'r Sec'y of War to be appointed Chaplain, or some similar position; this was made to avoid the objection of my not being in Military service, and also to give protection in the prosecution of my mission, and acquire increased facilities in its accomplishment, being purely philanthropic. 
I have been for over twenty years, an ordained Minister of the Gospel, in the religious society of Friends. 
I informed Maj Genl O.O. Howard of my application who under date of July 19th invites me as follows: 
"When you have been appointed a Chaplain, I will recommend your detail to some of the Assist't. Commissioners".

Transcription Notes:
Not clear if it should say Hon, Honr or something else in multiple places.