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of my independence in this case to retain the friendship of the Genl. But I added that as Genl. Mitchell was not attached to my office I never meddled in his affairs, except when called upon by the President or War department, in which case my opinion was always given frankly and according to the best of my judgment: I informed Genl Bell that I should write to the President, and request that his decision should be made if practicable during my absence, in order to silence the clamor which was attempted to be caused against by the Governor and his adherents. I wrote such a letter, which I presume was the true cause of the reference of the Case to the Atto Genl. As I had seen the evidence taken by you, I stated my opinion of it, but as I was not in possession of the evidence taken by the governor, my news of course presented subject to any change which that evidence might reasonably make. I remain unclear yours etc Wm H Crawford Genl. D.B. Mitchell