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The following letter is from Lt. A.R. Botcher to the Confederate Secretary of War commending Lt. Dale.

The following is the typed, translated text from the letter that follows:

                 House of Representatives, Richmond

                                       March 22nd 1862

 Honorable J. P. Benjamin

Acting Secretary of War

                             Dear Sir,

                                             It affords me much pleasure to commend to your favorable attention the enclosed letter in behalf of Lt. Dale, as I am well acquainted with the young gentlemen – have witnessed his conduct in the army, am convinced that there is no more efficient and faithful Officer of his grade in the Confederate Service.

                              I am

                                 Most Respectively

                                 Your Lieutenant (sic)

                                  A. R. Botcher