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is the way in which they use enlisted men & U. S. horses. Men in numbers [underline] are put on all kinds of irregular duty - as for example, one absent from inspection [underlined from one to inspection] of D. Co. was reported to me as upon Daily Duty, mounted on a U. S. horse, herding [underline] the numerous private cars (15 I think) of Capt. Walsh & Lt. Pratt. Gray, Nordstrom & Spencer use men freely and with the officers of D. Co. ride public horses generally (tho' they keep private animals) and frequently drive [underline] them to the private vehicles sometimes two and sometimes four.

       The mount of my own company is the poorest of all.  I shall condemn at least fifteen horses, and leave several for another time.  Seven have died since you were here.  The company appeared better dismounted than any other.  The men themselves, their clothing, arms and accoutrements being in excellent condition.  The company is better supplied than any other of the Cavalry, with conveniences for cooking and table furniture, and the diet of the company is more frequently changed than that of any other at the garrison.  Keeping the men in good health.
       Lee gets along pretty well with the men, but has too many in the guardhouse - 14 - and the company property has been neglected in a great measure since April.  
       I heartily wish I had never been separated from my company, and was still in command of it.