he read then.  I wrote you a few days ago giving you an account of me defeat in the election for 2nd Lieut.  It is true I was defeated, but there is one thing I have heard men say that it is not likely that a private in our Co  or any other could one half as many votes against an orderly sergeant as I did.  I think that I will come out right yet. & out live my enemies or their slander, I Just let them pass & treat all such things with the cold contempt they deserve [deleted:] Col Kinsman is looking out for me, & will do me Justice) I think he is a true & good man, now write something on top of this when you read it so no one else can.  I have done my duty so well that I have never been censured by an officer unless it might be by Gregg. (don't call him Capt Gregg he is not worthy of such an appendage.  The old hypocritical wretch.)  I am always ready for duty & do it cheerfully. & enjoy I know the confidence & respect of the best men in the regiment. I make these statements to you knowing that you will believe me & that you may know that although I have been defeated that it is not for misconduct on my part but you know that where there are 75 or more men collected together there are a great many of them whose evil passions can be worked uppon to the detriment of a good man.  Now I would like to answer a great many questions you ask me but I forget now what they are & I will look over them some day when I have time & note them down & try & answer them do I generally wrie plainly, & distinctly so that you can without dificulty understand my compositon &c?  Now my Dear I dislike to send so small a letter & one so poorly written, but I have had to write on my knee & it is dificult to write so, & know you will excuse, write often your letters are dear to me.  I keep them folded up neatly & carry them on every march & read them over & over good bye my Mary. Lyle
