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Beersheba Springs July 12/61
Jas. H Otey

I wrote you a few days ago in reference
to the desire of Mr. Ash to be under your orders &c.
Last night I received two letters one from Col.. J. F. Mills
of Memphis in behalf of Geo West of Helena & the other
from West himself, asking my interest with you for
the appointment of Brigade Qr. Master of West. Now
all I can say is that Col Mills is an honorable man
and speaks well of the West. I have no knowledge
about these matters, and therefore claim & expect
no influcence to attach to my opinions or wishes or
suggestions, as indeed there ought to be none.

I dare say you will be annoyed much by appli-
cations for office from all quarters & from all sorts
of men. I certainly shall not be made instrumen-
tal to add to that annoyance and write this
chiefly to say as much. If I could in any way
relieve you of any of your cares it would afford me in-
finite pleasure to do so & I am sure you believe this.
It occurs to me to say in this spirit, that if I can
serve you in any way in the concerns of your
diocese, I shall be glad to do so. You have my