Viewing page 145 of 339

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

refused to give it up on the grounds that the necessities of the service required him to retain it that Col Johnson, for that reason declined placing her in possession at that time.

Your petitioner further showeth that on or about the 1st day of July, 1864, by order of Brig. Genl Brayman she was placed in possession of said property, and has ever since remained in full possession. She is at a loss to know why the property is still upon the books of the Freedman's Bureau, after having been restored to her by order of competent authority.

Your petitioner will further add that her husband Wm. P. Mellen, died in November, 1864; so that any title he may have had to said property even if the marriage contract had never existed would have termmited [[terminated]] long since.

Your petitioner further showeth that her necessities now compel her to dispose of this and other property, and that she cannot do so as long as the property is held by the Freedman's Bureau as abandoned or confiscated property. 

Although your petitioner long since took the Oath of Amnesty prescribed by President Lincoln she will state that she is not embraced in any of the exceptions to the Amnesty Proclama