[1086]
have some years been engaged in marching troops, and I think in experience of that kind, at least, I am your superior.
Your accusation of dilatoriness on my part this morning or at any other time since I have been under your orders is not founded on fact, and your threat of relieving me does not frighten me in the least.
Your obedient servant,
Wm. F. Smith, Major-General.
[no. 74. see page 694.]
When a friend writes you a note is it not best to read it twice before you answer unkindly? If you will look at my note you will find that it contains no threat; on the contrary there are some words interlined, lest upon reading it over it might be possibly be so. Please read the note again and see if you cannot wish the reply was not sent. Pardon me for saying in all sincerity that I never thought you in fault as to the movement, as I understood your orders to be as mine were. Truly your friend,[no. 75. see page 695.]
General.:--I have the honor to forward to you copies to correspondence to General Butler. I have no comments to make, but would respectfully request that I may be relieved from duty in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina. Very respectfully your obedient servant,Wm. F. Smith, Major-General.
[no. 76. see page 695.]
There will probably be no movements for a week or ten days, and you have permission to use this time to visit New York. Communicate this to General Butler with whom the lieutenant-general has spoken. By command of Lieutenant-General Grant:John A. Rawlins, Brigadier-General and Chief of taff.
