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no officer of my rank in Ky. would serve in such a capacity. You will remember the storm of abuse and calumny which was showered upon me at the time. This I cared nothing about as I never thought any odium attached to me or any other patriotic man who was willing to serve his Country in any capacity to which he might be called [[strikethrough]] to serve her. [[/strikethrough]] My family like your own has been subjected to the slander and abuse of these Ky rebels, but I hope and believe that I have never shirked or failed to do my duty on account of it. Will you please See Gen'l Howard and lay my case before him and ask him to retain me in charge of this district. I am poor and need the salary which this office gives me small as it is. There are many interests pertaining to the blacks in Ky in which they need the advice and aid of their friends. To divide this state into four districts and with only 4 officers on duty in the state will result in or amount to a virtual withdrawal of the Bureau. As soon as this is done the Freedmen will have no protection except in the immediate vicinity of these officers. I would further ask you to write Col Runkle (Ben P) at Louisville and ask

Transcription Notes:
BBG Benjamin Piatt Runkle