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Officer directly in charge of the affairs of that Bureau in Alabama - particularly as that Officer had taken the responsibility of detailing me for temporary service outside of my legitimate duties as a Commissary of Subsistence.

In regard to making purchases in New Orleans and Mobile in preference to visiting "the principal depots in the grain growing section" I will state that my object was to save as much time as possible, as I had been enjoined that promptness was a material consideration - My purchases in New Orleans were not made without careful inquiry nor with any reckless disregard of prices - I did not, nor do I yet consider myself to blame for any erroneous calculations in the estimates referred to by Genl. Swayne, for it was utterly impossible to purchase and deliver supplies at the prices upon which these estimates were based. I purchased at the very lowest Market prices and freely consulted with Genl. A. Beckwith C.S. U.S.A. (then on duty in New Orleans) in regard to every purchase I made in New Orleans - I am satisfied that Genl Beckwith will this day testify that I candidly asked and followed his advice, and that these purchases were made with the utmost regard for the interests of the Government.

Very Respectfully
(signed) W. A. Elderkin
Bvt. Maj. and C.S. U.S.A.

A true Copy
O. D. Kinsman
Sub Asst. Commissioner 

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