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accusations about yourself which, if [[crossed out]] believed [[crossed out]] true would be infamous. these things, were given out as the confidential revealings of Gnl Howard, and told with a contemptible assumption of confidential relations. I ascent now, General as I would ascent in the presence of the living God that you are deceived in that man, and if [[crossed out]] y [[crossed out]] nobody had a personal interest in disguising, or if every one would come out as I have, and say to you, what they very well know, you would have a different report from the one recently submitted. and you would be disgusted with the details - I can prove him guilty of as direct falsehoods as ever the father of lies concocted, and will agree to prove them out of his own mouth.

I claim that you have sacrificed a young man, who has honestly endeavored to do his manifest duty, to befriend Genl Gregory, and protect him, your action was natural, and kind, as you knew nothing of the circumstances, but I will not beleive that in the face of the testimony presented, you will allow a flagrant injustice to exist with your countinencing. I ask you in the name of that right and justice which I have endeavored to defend to give me back my position and the support of my family. I have done right "as God gave me to see the right" I have refused bribes enough to place me beyond the need of a salary, - only the other day, I was ridiculed on the street for my refusal while in the Bureau to take a bribe of two thousand dollars [[crossed out]] for giving [[/crossed out]] to give the addresses of some colored men from my books. You are in error in believing me capable of willfully misrepresenting, or falsely accusing anybody, I did not act 'til irresistibly impelled and the Judge of us all has not shown me that I am wrong, and it is upon Him that I rely for ultimate vindication. I hope you will do me the honor to reply.

Very Respectfully - C W Hildreth

Transcription Notes:
edit notes: i believe the writer intends to use "assent" yet spells it "ascent." There are a few other instances of misspellings + grammatical that have been corrected to match the document.