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Baton Rouge. Jan. 18th 1865
Lieut. E.W. Wheelock
Dear Sir,
In reference to "Murphy's building" I beg leave to submit the following, which I have learned after much trouble and delay.
1st She is without doubt the bonafide owner of the building, having erected and used it for several years as a school building.
2nd As to the justice and necessity of the claim for rent. The case is not so clear. Previous to our possession of the building, it had been occupied by soldiers; by what right I am not able to learn. The building had been considerably damaged by the soldiers, but I learn upon good authority, she has recovered much more than the damage. Again the Board expended $225 in repairing the building before it was fit for occupation by our school. In this manner, I think the justice of the claim has been very much diminished. These repairs have been sufficient rent for one year.
3rd If we admit the justice and necessity of the claim. I think the amount claimed, $50 per month, is far too great. This would make an annual rent of $600, more