Viewing page 32 of 54

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[preprinted]] 48 [[/preprinted]]

was given for his discharge and that of his son, "that it was simply done by Col. Chur to insult and rebuke Gen'l Miles".

I do not believe that the officer alluded to ever made such an expression, for it is not merited, especially from his lips.
I however, disclaim any intention to "insult & rebuke' Gen. Miles, for I have been too long acquainted with him, and my regard for him as an Officer & Gentleman is too high for me to think of doing either. I should very much regret anything should happen to mar the kindly feeling I now hold for him.

Chaplain Pepper says this transaction was "rendered more contemptible by the Commissioner refusing what all others received, transportation for my son to his home".
My answer to this is- Young Pepper's appointment was made in this City:- secondly, not having appointed by authority of the War Dep't. no application could be made to it for that purpose. 

I have now referred to Chaplain Pepper's charges seriatum and trust in a satisfactory manner to the Commissioner, to whom my thanks are returned for giving me an opportunity to refute groundless charges.

Chaplain Pepper has pursued a course that but illy becomes one of his profession, for his communication plainly indicates the animus that impels him to indite the numerous articles he has lately issued. Would he but turn his attention to his neglected official duties, instead 

[[end page]]
[[start page]]

[[preprinted]] 49 [[/preprinted]]

of his scurrilous and untrue writings, he would no doubt accomplish more for his own good & the welfare of others.
As to his past great services to the Government I am not prepared to discuss beyond the time he was appointed the Bureau;- from that time however, I can safely say they do not appear in a very prominent light, as can be proven by those best qualified to judge.

In conclusion, I beg to submit that his great aim has been, as he himself avowed, to annoy me, & thereby embarrass me in the discharge of my duties.  

Having been disappointed in his other efforts, he now seeks another course, & one in which if he persists, will bring upon himself his own ruin.

Very respectfully,
Your obt. svt.
Jacob F. Chur
Bt. Lt. Col. Asst. Comr. and
Chief Sup't of Schools

[[line across page]]

Bu. R.F. and A.L.
Hd. Qrs. Asst. Comr. N.C.
Raleigh. N.C. 16th. Jan. 1869

Howard   Bt. Maj. Gen. O.O.
27-  Commissioner.
Washington.

General:-

I have the honor to report that seven hundred rations have been purchased and turned over to the Orphans' Asylum near Wilmington. N.C., also that a supply of material for clothing has been issued to the same institution, the same being in accordance with instructions contained