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Florence May 16th 1866
Gov Patton
Dr Sir

One of little sons of our friend R T Kernachan, had a small bay mule belonging to him, which was taken from him by a federal souldier without orders.  Afterwards the mule was brought back by Gen Wilson's command, and slipped away from the Command by Russel Houston a citizen of this County, and concealed in a smoke house until Gen Wilson left here.

Mr. Kernachan applied to a magistrate to have the mule restored to him, and on the trial provide the mule as above stated, but inasmuch as the mule had a US Brand on it, the magistrate declined doing any thing in the case, tho he had no doubt it was Willey Kernachan's mule, but did not want to interfere with military property.

Mr. Kernachan says Willey who is under 12 years of age, is much distressed about his mule, and his father naturally desires him to get him, and desires you to state the case to Gen Swayne, and ask him to permit his little son to keep the mule until the govrment of the United States calls for it.  Mr. K. believes R Houston will give up the mule to his little son, if Gen Swayne will so order, & he is willing to give Bond & Security for the delivry of the mule upon demand of the Government - Please present the little Boy's petition at yr earliest convenience

Very Respectfully
Yr Obt Svt
S.C. Posey