th the embarrassments that surrounded the General for
some time previously to his death, and in reading this last appeal
to the powers that had dealt with him so unjustly, the remembrance
of them still awakens in my bosom many emotions of regret. If the
General acted adversely to his own interests, in endeavoring to
adjust quietly the unfortunate affairs that he refers to, those who
understood his motives for so doing would excuse this error of his
judgment when they realized the feelings that prompted it. He saw
his error when it was too late to correct it, and died before
opportunity was given to vindicate his character. I remember
distinctly the last conversation I had with him, only a few days
before his death, and the earnest manner in which he spoke of this
trouble, would have removed from my mind all doubt of the perfect
rectitude of his intentions, if any had ever existed. I remember,
too, my visit to Richmond during the month of August, 1864, on which
occasion, at the General's request, I called upon the Secretary of
War to lay before him some papers entrusted to my care, and also to
make some verbal explanations regarding them. The excited, I may say
the exasperated manner in which the Honorable Secretary commented
upon the documents, left but one impression upon my mind, and that
was, that the War Department had made up its mind that the party was
guilty and that its conviction should not be offended by any
evidence to the contrary. The determination to pursue and break the
General down was apparent to every one, and the Kentucky expedition
was to be the means to accomplish this end (the reasons for a great
deal of this enmity are, of course, familiar to you). I endeavored
to explain to Mr. Seddon the injustice of the charge that General
Morgan had made this expedition without proper authority (I felt
this particularly to be my duty as I was the only person then living
who could bear witness upon that point), but being unable to obtain
a quiet hearing, I left his office disappointed and disgusted.

* * * * *

With the hope that you may succeed in the work you have undertaken,
believe me,

Very truly, your friend,
J.L. SANDFORD."

"HEADQUARTERS CAV. DEP'T, EAST TENNESSEE,}
_Jonesboro', Sept. 1, 1864_. }

"SIR: I