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Blackledge Plantation Leased to C.W. Smith and cultivated by Smith & Bowman near New Berne N.C. Nov 16th 1865 To Capt Horace James Agt Freedmans Bureau New Berne N.C. Dr Sir The undersiged Lessees of the above named Plantation most respectfully request that the Rent due the Government for the Same be remitted for the following reasons - 1st In July last two Regiments of Soldiers, the 101st and 103d Penn. Volunteers were sent on to the Plantation and remained five months preparatory to being mustered out, and not being restrained by their Officers committed great depredations on the Plantation, by first driving the Freedmans from their Houses, and appropriating the same to their own use for Barracks, causing many of the Freedmen to leave our employ and seek places elsewhere, then by taking nearly all of our Melons -