them was in excellent order and several of his men who are settled there have the highest respect for, him, as I have often seen testified. The greatest defect I know in him as an official is his anxiety to see every thing about him strictly according to orders, which sometimes gives his action an air of red tape and military precision not unnatural in a Soldier. I think you are not acquainted with Noake, or very slightly. I can assure you that he is very superior to the class of men who have been running him down, and to by far the greater number of the Colonels and Majors who during the last