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in various capacities with the Freedman's Bureau in the State of Mississippi. At times he has been stationed at the Post of which I was in command and I have consequently been frequently brought into both official and personal intercourse with him and I take great pleasure in testifying that in the former relation he has always possessed my highest respect and confidence and I believe him to be, now and heretofore, as sober, capable and efficient, as any officer of his rank in the Department.

In private life Lieutenant Williams is undeniably a gentleman esteemed - I think by nearly all who know him, for his refinement and geniality and every other attribute of honorable manhood and gentility That he "drinks strong drink" may be true, but that he is so much addicted to the habit as to be regarded an "intemperate" man will be strongly denied by all those who are at all acquainted with his character. In reference to the Special charge contained in the above cited Extract I can furnish no information as I happened at that time to be temporarily absent from my Command but from the statements of those who were present- I am convinced that the facts in the case have been grossly misrepresented and that Lieut Williams has been, either from mistaken or impure motives, unjustly