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Bureau of RF&AL
Office Ajdt Sub Adjt Com'r
Magnolia, NC Aug 7th 1867

Allan Rutherford
Capt 44th US Infy
Sub Asst Comr 4th Dist NC
Wilmington, NC

Captain
I have the honor to make the following Report on the enclosed statement of Tamelia Washington (Cold) in regard to the death of her husband John Washington and Child
They were not killed at Taylors Bridge as stated but were drowned at Tatams Bridge on the Coharie River in Sampson Co. A flood in the River washed the bridge away. He came there in night and not knowing the bridge was gone, drove in and himself & child drowned, the mule got loose from the car, and got out. The ladies were found some time afterwards but there being no coroner in that section of country no inquest was held. A Magistrate and some ten or 12 men (some of them colored,) examined the Bodies and decided it to be a clear case of accidental drowning.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
L. Echelberry 2d Lt
& Asst Sub Asst Com'r

Transcription Notes:
Coharie River is actually known as Great Coharie Creek and does run through Sampson County.