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Columbus, O. June 5th, 1865.

Major Gen'l O.H. Howard.
Freedmens Aid Bureau
Washington D.C.

General,

Will you read this from a soldier, who lost his right arm in the service, and lost his father also. Your Bureau is being established. Will you give me a position in it. I belonged to the 5th Ohio Infantry, was wounded at Winchester, Va. losing totally the use of my right arm. I have learned to write with my left. I have a good education at this time, and under the present circumstances I cannot follow my regular business. My cousin Lt. Col. Bown. 61st O. Vol. Infry was killed during your campaign in the south west. There were five of us, all have been in the service, my cousin was killed, my father sickened, and died, while attending to me in Virginia. If you could give me a position I would refer to the Rev I.M Walden. Corresponding Secretary, Western Freedmens Aid Society - my fathers friend, who accompanied him to Virginia, and was with me there, Samuel L. Carey Esq of Cincinnati - and others. Hoping you will notice this communication, which is written from a subdued conciousness of my ability to fill a position if confided with one, and from the respect I have entertained for you as a soldier and a christian gentleman.