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Hopkinsville Kentucky
Nov 18th 1871

John H Cook Esq
Chief Clerk &c
Washington D C

Dear Sir

Enclosed within your Frank, I received Adjt Genl E Whittleseys Circular letter of the 15th in regard to Genl Balloch and was pleased to learn he was not guilty of the crime charged against him in the public prints -

I am truly sorry that any man should be so badly slandered, the instigator should be severely dealt with -

Government Officers should be clearly established but [[strikethrough]] only [[/strikethrough]] only charge them when evident guilt appears, which should be first inquired into and decided upon by the proper Officers of the government.-

I am making my arrangements to visit Washington in December -

I have not received those Reports &c promised

With all due respect your friend &c
D S Hays