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[[stamp]] THE ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamp]]

Hayneville, Jan. 1st 1866.

To Brig. Gen'l Wager Swayne, Assistant Commissioner for the State of Alabama for Refugees, Freedmen, &c.-
Dear Sir: John, a freedman, has made application to me to get possession of a Mule which he claims as his property.  The facts, as I learn from him, are these:  John was a slave belonging to Col. R. D. Spann, of this County.  He went or was carried off by Gen'l Wilson's raiders.  He says he left the raiders above Montgomery, and that they gave him a broken down mule - one that was shot through the neck - to ride back home.  Says that he brought this Mule back to his former master's plantation, Col. R.D. Spann Says that he attended to said Mule until he got well of his wound, and then he was worked on the plantation of Mr. Spann until the crop was made.  He says that he claimed said Mule as his own property all the time, and that Mr. Spann never has claimed any right to said Mule.  He further represents to you that he has quit the employ of Mr. Spann, and he now wants to get his Mule.  Says that the Mule is now in the possession of Col.