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Geneva N.Y. 13' Feby 1866

General,
There is a young man now on duty in the Freedmen's Bureau in Richmond, who asks me to write you in his behalf, Lieut E.B. Townsend.
He is the son of a Presbyterian Clergyman, left a bank in Syracuse, in '62 & went out as Orderly Sergt.  Served about a year, broke down & whiile in hospital, Genl. Sumner who knew him well, had him discharged for disability, without consulting him, & greatly to his mortification.  As I had known him from his childhood, after he became strong I obtained a commission for him & he became an Aid on my staff, remaining with me till I left service, & was then retained on staff duty by Gen. Turner, where he now is, tho' his Regt. the 80" N.Y. Vol. (20' Militia) has just been mustered out.
He is a sterling young man, of Christian principles and great activity, He wants to be retained in your Bureau.  If this can be done, I think he will do good service.
Very Sincerely Yours
Mr. Patrick

Genl. O.O. Howard
Washington