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faithfully performed our duty, and strictly obeyed every order issued by our Superiors. Yesterday morning however much to my surprise] & sorrow nearly four Entire companies together with liberal detachments from others refused longer to do duty, the reason for so doing was that their time of service had expired. The evening before at Parade I read to them the petition sent to you & returned by you to Col. Jameson, also to the entire regiment your letter of explanation, after briefly addressing them on the subject, and urging them to no longer pursue the phantom I felt encouraged and at two o'clock the following morning retired believing that the bone of contention was at last thoroughly picked dry, but at five o'clock I wrote and soon found that I was mistaken. Our position here being an important one, owing to its location Detachments of our command are Continually called upon for picket duty, consequently one company being detailed that very morning, for drill and artillery in Fort Corcoran, and that company refusing to do the same I was obliged to report them to Col. Sherman, Commanding - which I immediately did. Col. S. then ordered the regiment into line, & addressed them also