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St Louis June 21st 1865

Major Genl OO Howard
Commissioner of Refugees and Freedmen.
Washington City.

Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 14th was rec'd two days since, on my return from the East. In regard to the statements, made by Genl Farrar, he told me that they were founded on two investigations made by him and that the papers and reports are all on file. I have been personally acquainted with the Gen'l for many years, and he is highly esteemed by all who know him. Col Fullerton who is on your staff should know him, and will tell you that he belongs to one of our oldest and most respected families all the members of which have been loyal. The Gen'l has evinced from an early period a deep interest in the colored people and as Provost Marshall Gen'l in this district gave the first papers of emancipation to the slaves of rebels. The Gen'l assured