.MTAwNw.NjYyOTY

are changing companies to smash the clique. Your barrel of coal oil arrived a few days ago and is, I believe all right. I had it put in the cellar for Mrs. Grierson this morning.

All are well here. Conpete got back all right on the 3.d Had a very pleasant trip, saw millions of buffalo and chased a few Indians one day, who looked like a war party. I hope to hear from you by the next mail. We only gt two mails per week now.

Very truly yours S.L.W.

With regard to the rumor of Mackenzie coming here, it was based on some report from Dept H.qrs. that important changes would be made soon. I think it looks more as if he would be ordered to the Rio Grande. One company of his regiment has been sent there and they have mounted a co. of the 10th., infantry, showing the need of cavalry. I enclose some newspaper slips which show that things are mixed down there. S.L.W.

Along the left margin May 15th 1872. Along the right margin in pencil WOODWARD 18 72 5 15 217 circled