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November [[?]]

Messrs Purney Newman
Attorney at Law
Winchester Tenn

Gentlemen:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 21st inst. in reference to the prosecution of Freedmen for cutting lumber and requesting information on the subject. If the Freedmen were in Government employ, or if in camps under the care or authority of the Government then the Freedmen are not responsible.  If the timber was cut prior to the Emancipation of the accused (Feb 28th)they are not accountable. If they were free citizens and took the timber without authority they must pay the value of it. 

I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt.
M.H. Cochran
Maj Genl.[[?]]