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are discharged, knowing that the orders from [[strikethrough]] the Chief [[/strikethrough]] Gen'l Howard contemplate the Medical Dept being made self supporting, I submit these suggestions thinking you will soon adopt some general system.

You have instructed your Asst Supts to send you lists of abandoned property &c. I see that nothing of that kind is being accomplished here at present.  Capt Pollion is closely confined to his office from morning till night. it is I believe an important part of the work and I am of the impression that Genl Howard has decided that taking the Amnesty Oath does not release property in possession of this Bureau.

Is it not important then that this property should be taken before the owners are "pardoned"?

If so, some one should devote their whole attention to it here at once, as I learn of parties (one of whom is an ex Maj. Genl. in the rebel service another was a much detested conscript officer) whose property is liable to confiscation and who are straining every nerve to be

Transcription Notes:
I'm not sure that Asst is the correct transcription for the first line of the second paragraph.