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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