have the honor to ask your early and careful consideration
of the statements herein submitted, and, although I am aware that
the representations which have been made you, concerning the matters
to which these statements relate, have so decided your opinion that
you do not hesitate to give it free expression, I yet feel that it
is due to myself to declare how false and injurious such
representations have been and to protest against the injustice which
condemns me unheard.

You will understand that I allude to the alleged robbery of the Bank
of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, and other outrages which my command is
charged with having committed during the late expedition into that
State. I will not, myself, countenance a course of procedure against
which I feel that I can justly protest, by citing testimony or
waging my own affirmation in disproof of the accusations which have
been filed against me at your office--but I will demand a prompt and
thorough investigation of them all, and will respectfully urge the
propriety of yourself instituting it.

If, as has been asserted, I have obstructed all examination into the
truth of these imputations, a proper regard for the interests of the
service, as well as the ends of justice requires that some higher
authority shall compel an exposure. Until, very recently, I was
ignorant how the rumors which had already poisoned the public mind,
had been received and listened to in official circles, and I can not
forbear indignant complaint of the injury done my reputation and
usefulness by the encouragement thus given them.

Allegations, directly implicating me in the excesses above referred
to, that I had connived at, if I did not incite them, and that I
have striven to shield the perpetrators from discovery and
punishment--allegations, the most vague and yet all tending to
impeach my character, have obtained hearing and credence at the
department.

I have not been called on, indeed I may say I have not been
permitted one word in my defense. Permit me to say that an officer's
reputation may suffer from such causes, in official and public
opinion, and that he may find it difficult, if not impossible, to
vindicate it, unless his superiors assist him by inviting inquiry. I
am informed that communications and documents of various kinds,
relating to th