, Start deletion,I have received, End, Your letter of the eleventh of this month has been delivered to me. I approve the exertions you have made for the apprehension of the deserters, but doubt very much, the efficacy of the punishment of hard labour. However, if a Court Martial , Start deletion,should, End, shall be disposed to try , Start deletion,that, End, such an expedient, I , Start deletion,shall, End, will not object to the measure. I have heretofore spoken to you , Start deletion,on, End, of the frequency of desertion, and of the necessity of repressing it by severe punishment. , Start deletion,⟨I am⟩, End, It is not my wish to influence opinion in any particular case, but , Start deletion,it is my beleif, End, I beleive that a few examples of capital punishment, perhaps one in each regiment, will be found indispensible.

With great consideration I am, Sir &c: &c