My health failing me, I applied for a furlough and went to Europe, from whence I returned in February, 1864.

I was then ordered to report to the commandant of the military prison at Andersonville, Ga., who assigned me to the command of the interior of the prison.

The duties I had to perform were arduous and unpleasant, and I am satisfied that no man can or will justly blame me for things that happened here, and which were beyond my power to control.
I do not think that I ought to be held responsible for the shortness of rations, for the overcrowded state of the prison, (which was of itself a prolific source of fearful mortality), for the inadequate supply of clothing, want of shelter, etc., etc.

Still I now bear the odium, and men who were prisoners have seemed disposed to wreak their vengeance upon me for what they have suffered--I, who was only the medium, or, I may better say, the tool in the hands of my superiors.

This is my condition.
I am a man with a family.