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Fort Thomas, Ariz. August 14 1887. My Dear General:

                        I desire to thank you for the copy of your endorsement on my renewed application for retirement.  I would rather do anything else than leave the service, but something seems to break me up pretty rapidly in this climate, and especially at that place of San Carlos, and of General Miles had not have been so persistent in keeping my troop there simply because I was junior to Pierce I might have wiggled along awhile longer, but I guess it is best I should go and settle down somewhere.  I presume you very probably know that they have ordered two companies of Infantry there and two of Cavalry, I should

[upside down at top of page] has been sent there, the troops will fare some better. We all send best wished to Mrs. Grierson & yourself.

                           R. J. Smither

To Gen'l. B. H. Grierson