So it came into my hands at last.

It fell to me through a relative by the name of, Hubbard -- Bethlehem Hubbard, of Indiana.

He had had a grudge against me for a long time; but in his last moments he sent for me, and forgave me everything, and, weeping, gave me the beef contract.
This ends the history of it up to the time that I succeeded to the property.

I will now endeavor to set myself straight before the nation in everything that concerns my share in the matter.

I took this beef contract, and the bill for mileage and transportation, to the President of the United States.
He said, "Well, sir, what can I do for you ?" I said, "Sire, on or about the 10th day of October, 1861, John Wilson Mackenzie, of Rotterdam, Chemung County, New Jersey, deceased, contracted with the General Government to furnish to General Sherman the sum total of thirty barrels of beef--" He stopped me there, and dismissed me from his presence--kindly, but firmly.