.MTAzMQ.Njg4NTI

-cessity for our return should arise, growing out of the condition of affairs at home, you can remain absent from your command.

  The length of your absence from [?] to be such that I [?] we [?sha...?] hear from General Sherman even if alone in the principle that I can properly only grant leave of absence for a certain period - less than you propose to take:  until we do hear even if after the period of [?] you will be perfectly secure in remaining away.
  You should keep my H Quarters notified of any changes