Viewing page 160 of 349

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

2d

charges were earnest and determined, if not prejudiced and vindictive, and that a thorough & complete investigation was required, not only to set the matter for ever at rest, but to protect the Officers whose official character and conduct had been attacked, Dr Bell courted investigation and desired that every opportunity should be afforded the complainants to make their case clear. In view of these facts, I afforded the Petitioners every facility in my power.

The papers referred to me are voluminous, the contents thereof remarkable and the manner in which signatures thereto appear to have been procured peculiar, if not original. I desire to invite your attention to these papers "per se"

The document referred to me June 21st, 1867 in which I find certain of the charges against Dr R A Bell purports to be a affidavit, and is so styled by James Bruce in his letter of transmittal to Maj Gen'l O. O. Howard. It is not however an Affidavit (See Vol 1, Page 12, line 26.) but a long rambling statement, without any signature