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Office AAQM Post Q M 
Selma Ala Nov 27th" 1866

Lieut J. F Conyngham U.S.A.
AAA.G. Montgomery Ala

Lieutenant 
I have the honor to inform you that building known as the Wayside Confederate Hospital used as Govnt Store House for Commissary and Quartermaster property in my charge, was consumed on the night of the 25th inst. The fire originated in the Cellar of the adjoining building and was first discovered by the Sentinel on Post at the Commissary who gave the alarm, which was soon taken up by the City bells. I arrived on the spot about five minutes after the first alarm and found the sentry and two of my Colored Employees had broken open the door of the Commissary to ascertain whether or no the flames had entered the building. On inspection I found it impossible to save the building, and proceeded to save what property and stores I could. I impressed all the Colored persons I found and sent to Lt. Shorkley for his men to guard the property saved. They arrived in a very short time under command Lt. Johnston and done all that was possible to be done. I had fortunately engaged a Store House under orders of the Post Commander, on Water Street for the purpose of storing Stores which the Old House could not contain, and where I had all the Stores saved carried. I have not yet learned the exact amount of Loss. The poor people of Ala will be the great sufferers. A large amount of Corn and Bacon recently received have been destroyed, and some clothing, property of the Bureau, has been destroyed, Also some condemned Q.M. Property which was in store. As soon as I can learn the exact loss, I shall report the same to you
Respectfully Your Obt Servant
Joseph. Grooves
1st. Lt Bvt Cap't. VRC. AAQM                                                   
 

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