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Amherst, Massachusetts. Sunday, March 6th, 1870.

Dear General,

             Believe me, I was much pleased at the receipt of your long and interesting letter dated the 11th of February, and which I got eight or ten days ago.   I acknowledge it's arrival in a note I was sending to Woodward about that time and I did not intend to let the letter go unanswered so long as I have.  It is time enough that I had no right for not writing, but I could not get rid of a fear that your long silence implied a feeling that I had in a manner deserted [underline] the fate and fortunes of the 10th Cavalry - and the value I place upon your friendship and good wishes led me to heartily rejoice upon the arrival of your good letter. 
  I see at once how constantly your time has been occupied and sincerely regret Major Woodward's continued illness not only on his own account but because I know how much you are obliged to depend upon his assistance, and how over-taxed you must be without it.     I trust that Woodward's health will rapidly improve and your leisure increase therewith, and I can only ask that I may be written to whenever you feel inclined and can spare the time.