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      Head Quarters 3d Brigade 1st Div. 5th Corps
                          September 3d 1863
                                                             I most
      cordially endorse the above testimonial of
    Col. Gilmore.
                         J.L. Chamberlain
                             Colonel Cmdg. 3d Brigade

   In addition to a full and cordial 
   endorsement of the within I would state
    that I examined Surg. Benson while
    sick and recommended him to resign
   as that was the only procedure likely 
   to save his life.

Hd. Qrs 3d Brig. [illegible name]

 Sept 3 1863                Surg. in Chief 3d Brig
                                           1 Div 5th Corps
                                   Hed. Qrs. 1st Div. 5th Corps
                                     Office of Surgeon in Chief
                                             Sept. 3, 1863

I fully concur in the above, & consider the resignation of Surgeon Benson, rendered necessary by sickness, as a great loss