I fully appreciate the motives which have induced you to give up a position presenting so many advantages to yourself, and sincerely hope that you may, in any future enterprise, enjoy the success which your character and ability merit and deserve. Should you come down on the Rapides (steamer), please look after my wife, who will, I hope, accompany you on said boat, or some other good one. Colonel Bragg informs me that the necessary orders have been given for the transfer and receipt by Major Smith of the public property.

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