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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]]