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3rd The Gainesville matter.
I do not recollect the Statute you refer to under which the Deputy U S. Marshal assumes to act but I do Know that "the old Confederate Arsenal" cannot be put to any better use than to have it occupied as a School in which that portion of the American people long chained to barbarism, slavery and ignorance, may receive the manifold blessings of education and Knowledge. I enclose an order on the subject

4th The Land in Selma 
I did not get your letters of the 15th & 17th of December until the 22d ulto; two days after I had left Montgomery. Judge Chilton sent them to me here. On reference to the Acts of Congress of August 6th, 1861, and July 17 1862 you will see I have no authority to grant the request contained in the letter of the 15th December (to convey the property in kind &c to the Bureau. The Commissioner asks what I have no power to grant. The act of August makes provision for the seizure and confiscation of certain described property, and also for