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                                                                                                     Hartford, Conn.  Dec 30th    1882

Col R J. Dodge

My dear Sir:-

                    Your favors of the 21, and 27th Nov were duly received.  Let me apologize for the great

delay in answering them. They came just as the holiday trade had begun, & I was extremely busy. I wanted to reply to them fully & I put the matter off from day to day until after Christmas, and knowing settlement day was then at hand I deferred the Business until now. I hope you will excuse the delay under these circumstances. In future I promise you better prompt attention. I was surprised myself at the refusal of the Secy to order the books for the Army. Your letter was the first information I rec that he had so decided, as no reply was made to my letter to him offering the book at a reduced price. However, I am not sorry. I like your suggestion about mocking the "trades" act as agents and I shall go for them red hot. I have not done anything about it yet, but now that the holiday rush is over I will make an attack upon every post trader & show him how he can earn a dollar or two quickly & easily. I am satisfied we shall sell many more copies in this way than the 150 the Secy enquired about. As soon as I get my circulars & all prepared I will send copies for you if you wish. I have made up your a/c to date, and