Not being possessed of the answer from the War Dept. referred to in the inclosed, I can not compare the grounds of it, with the opinions to which it has given rise.1 It would seem however that the Soldiers in question must be entitled to such a discharge as will secure to them all the recommenc [sic] stipulated for serving during the war. Will you be so good as to take a legal view of the subject, and if it accords with this idea, to communicate it to Mr. Graham who will take order accordingly: dropping at the same time a line to Mr. Yates.

I have just recd. your favor stating the result of Mr. Duval’s communication to Comodore Lewis. Cordial regards