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him the the highest commendation.  As to the specific charges in the above extract, I would state, that Lieut Williams, does drink strong drinks, though never to my knowledge, has he been in the slightest degree intoxicated; that the charge of intoxication therein referred to, I knowingly pronounce to be untrue; and that the "firing of a Pistol, the ball of which passed through a picture in a gentlemans house," resolves itself simply into an occurrence that happened, in my presence, in the private quarters of an Officer at this post, and with his cognizance.
  I have the honor to state in addition, that the inference necessary drawn, from the language of the above extract, is as gross a perversion of truth, as the material statement contained therein.

I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your Obdt Serv't
Charles W. Wikoff
Capt 24 Inf and Bvt Maj USA