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(3)

a state of gross intoxication.  It was during the occupancy of the Bureau office by these men that Smith's private letter of which a copy was unfortunately left there was discovered and made the basis of all sorts of exaggerated stories which were assiduously circulated throughout the county.  The letter speaks for itself.  The first definite charge in the petition is to the effect that "Maj. Smith is the fast friend and supporter of the rebels to the exclusion of loyal men"  I would seem that this record as a faithful and gallant officer of the army for nearly four years should be a sufficient reply to this, and I am of the opinion that it is utterly without foundation.  

At the Court House where Major Smith is stationed and where there is a quite a little town the inhabitants were without exception rebels, and he must associate somewhat with them or seclude himself entirely from all society.  He states that he has never visited any of them however, and that his intercourse with them and treatment of and by them has been such as is only customary among gentlemen.  As to the "exclusion" of the loyal men it