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[[stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamp]]

New Orleans Decr 30th 1869
Col E.C. Beman D.O. & Q.M. Bureau R.F. & A.L.

Dear Sir,
Your letter of today, with a copy of a letter of the 24th inst. from Genl Henry M. Whittelsey A.A.A Genl is received. In answer I would respectfully inform you, that at the time my last returns were forwarded (in Sept last) the Clerk alowed me to assist in completing my papers, was withdrawen by the Bureau, perhaps under the impression the work was about completed. I tell you candidly I an without the means to employ a compitent Clerk to make up these papers and my own time is so wholy taken up with my daily duties that I cannot do the work myself, but being very anxious to have this papers completed in my own lifetime, a few days ago I invited a very worthy and compitent Clerk to look over the work that was to be done, and say for what amount of time, he would complet it. I inclose you his letter to me on the subject, and request that you forward it to the Department at Washington, with the request that this Clerk A.J. Stephens be employed by the Bureau at the terms he proposes, to complet the papers. I do not think we can get the entire work done more favourably.

I am with sincere regard and thankfulness for the Officers of the Bureau's past kindness to me - your obt servt.
W.B. Armstrong
Late D.O. & Q.M. Bureau R.F. & A.L.