[MR. HOLT TO MR. WM. B. REED.]
(Private.)
Washington, September 16th, 1868.
Dear Sir:—
I did not at once reply to your note of the 11th instant, because of a belief that a copy of the order dismissing Twiggs would answer your purpose. Learning, however, from a telegram in the hands of Doctor Blake that you prefer I shall respond formally to your inquiry, I have done so. Should you make any public use of this communication, I beg that you will see personally to a correction of the proofs.
If you will examine Mr. Buchanan’s correspondence you will probably find one or more abusive letters from Twiggs on the subject of his dismissal. They might assist you in establishing “the truth of history.”
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
J. Holt.
P.S.—The Government did all in its power to protect itself from Twigg’s meditated treachery by relieving him from his command, as soon as its apprehensions in regard to him were excited, and if it failed it was because, owing to the disturbed condition of the country, the order was slow in reaching him, and because when it did reach him, availing himself of the temporary absence of his successor, he disobeyed the order and surrendered a Department of which he had no longer the command.