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Fortress Monroe Va June 21, 1865 Colonel I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of Maj Gen'l O.O. Howard's order directing me to report to you by letter &c. By it you will understand why I could not report to you in person. It was my desire to resign and retire from service but as Gen'l Howard has expressed a strong desire that I should continue in his Department I suggested to him as my family were here and I had purchased considerable property which would need some attention. I should be glad at least for the present to report to you for duty in this quarter of the state. He at once said he would order me to report to you and that you and I could arrange those matters to suit ourselves. I should be glad to explain to you the difficulties and complications growing out of the past changes in this district and the great loss to the Government that