WAR DEPARTMENT, 
OFFICE OF THE SURGEON GENERAL, 
WA8HINQTON. 
December 31, 1904. 
Major E. A. Mearns, 
■ Surgeon, U. S. Army. 
\ 
c/o Lieut.-Col. v/illio wittioh, 
U. S. Array, retired. 
Court street, 
Plattsburg, Nevr York. 
Sir:- 
I have the honor to inform you that your applica¬ 
tion for a leave of absence for four months has been returned to 
The Military Secretary approved for one month. The Surgeon 
General directs me to inform you that he regrets very much that 
the exigencies of the service do not permit him to approve your 
leave for a greater length of time. 
Very respectfully, 
Major, Surgeon, U 
S. Army. 
