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33d

I received a visit from Mr Bruce, upon hearing his story  I considered that injustice was being done him. He had the impression that the move came from Maj Roberts. I tried to disabuse him of that impression, and I indicated another quarter, as the origin of his dismissal. I did not then tell him what that quarter was, but was inclined to think that neither Maj Roberts or Capt Brown had anything to do with it. I told him to keep his mind easy (he being very much excited about it, having a wife and family to support. And his honesty (as he called it) being placed in jeopardy. So soon as I could thereafter I called to see Maj Roberts, he assured me that he had nothing to do with the matter. That it was from Hd Qrs (from Gen'l Ely) I told him my idea of Mr Bruce. I told him Bruce had an immense claim on my from the fact of his being a Scotchman, that the loss of one was the loss of all. I then asked him his opinion of Bruce, as to ability &c, he gave me a very high account of Bruce, stated he had no earthly fault to find with him. That he was a friend of his, that he was a pleasant and efficient assistant (verbatim) that he very much regretted and indeed felt vexed at the action taken at Hd Qrs against Bruce. 

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