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Clarksville. Texas.
Aug 20th 1867.

Lieut. J.T. Kirkman.
A.A.A.G. Bureau R.F. & A.L.

Lieut.
Bvt Maj M W Claflin, Capt 6th Cav. Comdg Post of Mount Pleasant, rode into Clarksville yesterday morning, in search of one of the prisoners, (Whitsell), who had escaped through his negligence. Maj Claflin was accompanied by a small guard, & Mr Duty whom I had arrested. As soon as he rode into town, I requested that he would allow me to take charge of Duty while he remained. I explained the reasons for this request, stating that I considered it important that he should not communicate freely with his friends, &c. Maj Claflin declined, & told me that he was intending to release him on parole, until the following day. I remonstrated, but to no purpose. He told me that unless I had written orders from Gen Griffin to the contrary, he (Claflin) should allow Duty the liberty to go where he chose, until he returned to Mount Pleasant, which he accordingly did.

Maj Claflin in acting so directly contrary to my known wishes, has impaired my influence, & to a very