Transcribe page 35 of 270

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Kindly officers [[?]] other persons procured the discovery of claimants will be almost impossible despite the efforts of the several disbursing officers. If the object in sending sealed letters was to prevent persons other than the claimants themselves from being apprised of the contents thereof it is my opinion that this object has not been successfully accomplished owing to the fact I have as yet not found 15 claimants who could read. If a letter is delivered to him at the Post Office he takes it immediately to some white person who while he informs the colored claimant of its contents, is fully apprised of the same himself.
This card would in my opinion tend to correct this as it would enable the claimant to be informed at the Post Office of the message contained thereon by Government officials and thus prevent him from being at the mercy of outside persons.
A number of Postal Cards arriving at a small Post Office at one time and all addressed to colored persons would be apt to attract the attention of the Post Office officials & I feel confident that, being informed of the message thereon they would use their best endeavors to get it to the claimant if they ascertain his whereabouts. In relation to the matter contained on the card I have the honor to remark that colored claimants are not happy in their recollection of dates and events. So much so that in only one or two cases have I been convinced of the identity of the claimant from his [[?]] compared with the confidential list furnished me.
In all other cases have I acquired the additional statements of two witnesses in order to save the Government and myself from imposture & fraud
In a majority of cases it is comparatively easy to procure two witnesses who are familiar with the soldiers war record. Where this is difficult correspondence ensues  and the case is altered on the facts [[?]] demand.
In saying that the witnesses if possible should have belonged to the same company or regiment with the soldier is to acquire the best witnesses and those thoroughly con[[?]] with the soldiers [[?]] as furnished me on the confidential list.

This is to inform you that your claim has been settled and that a disbursing officer will be at ....... on the day of .......... 187.. and ........ week day ..... thereafter for the purpose of paying the amount due you
It is important that you shall appear in person promptly at the time and place named with [[?]] persons who are familiar with your ...... [[?]] record. These witnesses if possible should have belonged to the same company or [[?]] with your .........
This card together with any papers in your possession that may aid in establishing your identity should be [[?]] by you to the disbursing officer
...........
...........
Disbursing Officer

[[signature]]
Memphis Tenn. July 8. 73
[[?]] No 30 sent to Mary Thrasher

[[signature]]
Memphis Tenn. July 9. 73
To the [[?]] of the U.S.
Through [[?]]
Sir:
In compliance with circular from the [[?]] dated Feb 5.73  [[?]] the honor to transmit her [[?]] Certificate

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