My very dear Sir
I have carefully perused your letter to
Commander Mackenzie, and am much gratified to find that
in your mature judgment he has so able an advocate and
support; and I sincerely hope that his conduct in that sad
Tragedy (painful as it must have been to him and his
Brother officers) will meet the approval of all who can
picture to themselves the trying and responsible situation of
Him to whose care the flag of his country had been
intrusted and by whose decision of character the lives of
hundreds no doubt have been saved—For had that
Diabolical plot been successfull, no calculation can be
made of the scenes of murder and devastation that would
have ensued.
Accept my thanks for the gratification you have
allowed me, and ever believe me with sincere regard very
respectfully your friend
& Obt servant
S.B. Hoffman
To
Major William Popham.
23 Jany. 1843
The Somers Affair
