To RH Milroy From WD Alexander July 9 1863

              Head Qrs Recruiting Station 
 
Piqua Miami Co O July 9, 1863 
 
 
 
Maj. Genl. R.H. Milroy. 
                                      Dear friend: 
 
 
 
                   I was sorry to hear 
of your defeat at Winchester but am truly glad  
to hear (through McCracken) that no blame can 
be attached to you. I was fully convinced in 
my own mind that everything was done that 
could be done (on your part) to avert the 
awful scenes of disaster which must necess- 
arily have followed the evacuation of Winchester. 
 
 
 
I am sorry that you should have any trouble in  
regard to the matter. it must be discouraging 
after having done everything that could be done 
to avoid defeat to be censured as you have  
been by the Prefs of the country for not evacu- 
ating Winchester sooner: and that too where 
you were but obeying the orders of your su- 
periors whom you have sworn to obey. 
 
 
 
Cheer up general__ truth and honesty  
will prevail __ and allow me to say 
you have many warm friends in Ohio and 
in all the western states__ since the  
Winchester matter has been fully understood. 
 
 
 
I notice that public option as well as the  
editors of the country have materily changed