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War Department,

Bureau Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands,
CLAIM DIVISION.

Washington, D.C., December 9 1868.

Sir:
In answer to your letter of the 21st ult.
I am directed to inform you that no certificate in your favor has been received at this Bureau, and to state that you should make application to your Attorney for information respecting the condition of your claim. 

Your claim, if forwarded to the Auditor's Office, is probably awaiting or undergoing examination therein. If, after examination, anything is found to be due you, a certification for the amount will be sent to your Attorney, who is required to forward the same to this Bureau, with his bills for legal fee and national expenses, and cash advances (if he has made any to you); on receipt of which, the amount of the certificate, less the attorney's bill as above, will be remitted to you through the Disbursing Officers of this Bureau. 

An effort will be made to ascertain the condition of your claim and the result communicated to you. 

Very Respectfully, &c.,

William P. Drew,
Agent, Bureau R., F., and A.L. 

Mr. Ransom Bess (or Betts (col'd) Chief of Claim Division
Cover to Capt. Allan Rutherford 
A. L. Asst. Commr.
Bu. R.F. & A.L.