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present, probably this letter wouldn't need to have been written.
In regard to yr remarks that charges agt. Maj Smith were set up by a Clique, I give it my most unqualified denial.  The charges represent the almost unanimous voice of the U. Rep. party & the people of color, as you cannot fail to have noticed.  I am alone responsible for the change I have made, & I am able to state positively that it is a gross error to suppose that the letter Maj Smith wrote you, offensive to Mr. Dixon, was in any way the cause of the complaints made by the Union men & the cold people or myself. 
At present I shall refrain from considering the charge of a bale of Government Hay being paid over to liquidate a whiskey bill.  More may be said about it here after.
Please do me the favor to acknowledge receipt of my two letters of this date & oblige
Very respy
Yr Obt Sevt
J. Clarke L.