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9

Mississippi Valley.

The very best answer to the charge of inefficiency and neglect of duty is, that Col. Eaton possessed the confidence of the Lieut. Genl. and has ever received from him the most cordial and earnest support. It is not understood that Genl. Grant clings tenaciously to officers who are incompetent to perform, or, who wilfully neglect the duties required of them.

Visit the valley of the Mississippi & go to West Tennessee, Little Rock, Ark. Vicksburg and Natchez & satisfy yourself of the condition of the freedmen at the present time and compare it with the condition during the Spring, Summer & Fall of 1863. See them as they were to be seen at points on the Miss. river during the period referred to. Huddled together by hundreds and thousands naked, starving and diseased, exposed to storm and dying at the most fearful rate - no Clothing, no money, no labor for them to perform & no means of obtaining food except as it was issued by order of the Comd'g Gen'l and but few friends. It was the most pitiful sight that can well be imagined & the true history of their sufferings during those early days of freedom will probably never be written.

The Government issued rations to them and the rest has been accomplished by Col. Eaton and Officers of his selection. The work was great, but it was taken hold of in the most energetic and able manner. The freedmen were collected in camps at different points