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Gardiner Maine April 22nd 1866

Colonel E. Whittlesey
Raleigh N.C.

Coln.

I have the honor to more Respectfully make an application to you for a position in the Freedmans Bureau. I have served most five years in the [[strikethrough]] Service [[strikethrough]] Army of the United States Service as an Officer 2 years in the department of the Gulf in a Colored Regt. where I learned the manners and cutsoms of the Freedman. I was recommended to make my application to you by Maj General O. O. Howard and I am very anctious to remain in some Govt. Service. Please do what you can for me.

Hoping soon to heare from you and that my application has meet with favor and a seedy answer returned.

I am Sir Very Respectfully
Your Ob't.
[[signature]] Merrill Savage [[/signature]]
Late 1st Lieut 9th Regt Hancock U.A.C.