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[image: embossed seal]

Ridgefield Louisiana July 18 [unclear]1861[/unclear].
My dear Bishop,
I feel assured that
knowing me as you do, you will
acquit me of a lack of friendship
when I say that the news of your
appointment to the office of Maj.
Genl. in the Army of the Confederate
States filled me with despair &
astonishment. It was so unexpected
& seemed at first, so incompatible
with your sacred calling & high
position in the Church of God
that I was completely overwhelm-
ed, for awhile, by a tumult of
conflicting emotions. But although
a feeling of right was continually
present which I thought of it, still
was I prompted by my long and
intimate acquaintance with
you, to doubt the correctness of