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Maj. Gen. William D. Whipple
Asst. Adj. Gen.
Louisville Ky

General, About two years ago, General Thomas was waited on by Mr. James Bruce, a citizen, to prefer a complaint as to mistreatment and injustice he had undergone from Gen. Ely Major Runkle D. Bell and other officials in this quarter of the Bureau of Refugees & Freedmen.
Gen. Thomas directed Mr. Bruce to make his complaint to Gen. Howard. Mr. Bruce pointed out that this would be no relief, or satisfaction. That Gen Howard was an officer of the Bureau, and as such would enquire there, and act thro, the servants of the Bureau at this post - and their action, he, Bruce had no confidence whatever in. It would only be a defense of enormities in the past, and a cloaking of them for the future.

Genl Thomas however elected that Bruce should primarily make his plaint to the Bureau; —  and should the servants of that institution fail to do justice to Bruce, or the subjects