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  As before stated I am of the opinion that the finally [strike ly] settlement of affairs here, on Gen'l. Sheridan's part and his departure - will come off quite suddenly at last, with very little previous notice.
  I am very anxious to start for Gibson just as soon ad Dept. Hd. Qrs. move, both to straighten out my own affairs, and to complete the unfinished work on that map &c which remained to be done when I left Gibson in Sept.
  Major Kidd would probably not feel authorized to order me away, and might not be willing to grant me leave [underline] to go.  I would rather not take a leave for the purpose, and should dislike to have to wait then until I could communicate with you, as I think it would be much better for me to go before resuming command of my company, taking up the property &c.
  If, therefore, upon your arrival at Fort Arbuckle you should decide to go on to Gibson before returning here, I would be exceedingly obliged if you would send me a note to hand to Col. Crosby when the break up takes place here, stating that when I came away from Gibson I left unfinished matters at Dist. Hd. Qrs. which require my attention for a few days and requesting that be [strike] upon being relieved from duty at Dept. Hd. Qrs. I may be ordered to proceed to Fort Gibson and report to you for temporary spec. duty.  With such a note from you I can obtain the order without difficulty, it will be the easiest way of fixing the matter and will be a great accommodation to me.   I hope you will not object.
  There is nothing new this morning.  We had a cold night and the ground is frozen this morning.
  My regards to Woodward and to your self.
                 Very respectfully, your obediently
                                 Henry E. Alvord [underlined]

Genl. B. H. Grierson U.S.A.