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Brandon Rankin Co. Miss Sept 20th 1865 Col Saml. Thomas Ass't Com'r &c Sir: As Clerk of the Probate Court for the County it is my duty to issue Marriage Licenses, and to keep a Record of the Marriages in said County. But I have no authority to issue Licenses to Freedmen, who have already been making application to me for such. I respectfully request of you, authority to issue Licenses to Freedmen and keep a Record of their marriages. I desire, also, the authority or privilege of writing and witnessing Contracts between Freedmen and their employers. I notice that such authority has been conferred upon the Probate Clerk of Pike County. Should you favor me with such an appointment, I promise to conform strictly to your instructions and policy of the government with reference to Freedmen. Hoping this request may be favorably considered - I remain Respectfully &c [[signature]] H. S. Cole [[/signature]]