.NDcy.NDE1OA

Brunswick Dec 6th. 1865

[Frequently throughout this letter, two or even three consecutive words are written with one stroke of the pen, as if the writer didn't lift the pen enough between words to interrupt the stroke. Specific instances are not indicated in this transcription.]

My dear Gnl.

I have thought it best to send you a Book in which a portion [underlined] of the papers I referred to are copied, & other authentic slips of paper pasted.

These are incidents of a merely formal nature which it would not be proper for me either to write myself, or (by that convenient process to which a flaming modesty so often resorts) to procure others to write for me. Time will bring them out. I prefer that my reputation should improve [underlined] upon a better knowledge of facts, rather than diminish.

I observe that in your Report I am spoken of as absent [Here, a small red X is written indicating a footnote, which is at the bottom of the next page.] from my Regt. occasionally without any remark to the effect that I was at that time comdg. [commanding] the Brigade. Indeed I am classed merely with Col. Gilmore as "absent." when in fact I was at that time leadg. my Brigade into Battle, & had my horse shot there.