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Washington DC, January 4, 1868

Maj. Gen O. O. Howard.
General,

Permit me, Sir, to take your time for a few seconds. I am discharged, to take effect 31st this month. As far I aware, for the reason that I went from the Office before 12 o'clock. This fact is true. But allow me to give you a true statement of my action. You know, that I was since the last 3 years in charge of the Payrolls for the enlisted men in your service, and was responsible for the corrections of such. The men were paid Dec. 24. - Dec.26 I received by Orderly intimation that an order was issued by Gen Grant to increase the commutation for food, and were asked for, to see about them. I went to Gen. M. Perrons office Dec. 27. (I had free) and heard, that the Disbursing Clerk would only on duty 28h & 30h, the same day's I had duty. How I could speak him, if I not went during office hours, as at 12 o'clock every Bureau were closed? So at 11 o'clock I took blank rolls along with me, went to the office of Gen. M. Perrons, asked and received information, made out new rolls home,