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Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.
Office Act. Asst. Com., State of Georgia
Augusta, Ga. Nov 29th 1865.

Captain,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of, an endorsement, in answer to certain charges made by me, against Mess. Marshall & Davis, Gov't. Contr's. for fresh beef.

I offer the following facts in the case and as the endorsement reflects, it seems to me, somewhat upon my care and vigilance before making the above charges: allow me to state that, I am very confident that, before a Court, or any unprejudiced persons, I can establish a good character for truth and morality, for my colored witnesses, as can Mr. Marshall.

Since my charges were made the meat delivered to this Hospital for R., and F. has been of good quality and full weight; (today exceeding in two (2) pounds) this notwithstanding that the men who draw the meat know nothing of my charges. (It is hardly reasonable to suppose that, the contractors would send poor meat or in short weight to be investigated by the Commissary.) These facts can be sustained on the affidavit of my Steward, a white soldier, whom I will avouch