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