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reading your letter which I had previously given him. He then explained fully the nature of the offence they were commiting [committing?] and Stated[?] to them[?] that the punishment was severe He told them that he was no longer[?] and[?] could not argue the point with them, Then all those who refused duty he [?] to the front[?], One hundred & fifty stepped forward, but after some ex[?] all but fifty eight privates, and four non Commissioned[?] officers returned to the ranks, there latter being reported to Genl Scott, they were at 8 O Clock (PM) last evening under the guard of a detachment of United States Cavalry marched to the Navy Ford[?] at Washington, from thence they are immediately to embark per Steamer P[?] for Dry[?] Tortugas[?] [?] of Mexico there to serve in “[?] duty” until they can like men Serve their Country. This after all our labors is exceedingly trying as well as mortifying to me, and to the Officers &[?] generally. Many of the men thus detached from us have families at home who must necessarily[?] suffer much in body & mind before