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his duty was plain & that he (Neal) would not have run had he not been drunk. I have [?co....ed?] [?Merino?] but if he is tried it will have the effect of preventing sentinels from trying to hit when they shoot & do away with their value as protectors of property. I shall send [?Merino?] to Pierre when the paymaster goes down, have him ask a hearing before U.S. com'r & they stop off any future action [?Merino's?] friends are very worthy & respectable people of Phill'a & are greatly troubled.

Yours very truly

Richard I. Dodge