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charges were fraudulently or persistently sustained than most of these made against Mr Smith. Two or three of them may be plausible but, in my opinion, investigation shows no more than technical fault and carelessness. He has been unguarded in expression; he is unpopular, and, with some very unpopular. On the other hand he has been vigorously abused. Petitions, principally written by one Lawson (an attaché of Mr. Hewletts) and not [[?]] her known by those whose names are attached to them - in, at best, ignorantly signed - have been sent up to superior Head-Quarters; written so differently that, at first sight, one would have supposed the author different persons.

Said Lawson is further described in my letter of the 17th inst.

Your attention is invited to the endorsements on petitions this day returned.

I am  General With Great Respect
S C Armstrong
Agt 5th Sub Dist Va