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Baltimore Md Aug 16th 1865

Maj Genl Howard
Supt Freedmens Bureau,

General:
I am a southern clergyman who was a chaplain in Genl Lees army and an adherent of the Southern cause until its final overthrow. I am now a citizen of the United States and as loyal to it as any other. I am sure that the religious men of the South are ready and willing to cooperate with your Bureau in all its efforts to advance the interests of the Freedmen. Recognizing slavery as gone, [[strikethrough]] it is to [[/strikethrough]] it is our interest, as it should be our pleasure, to elevate him as rapidly as possible; You will see by a marked passage of the enclosed speech, the ground I have taken on this subject.

I am exceedingly desirous that there should be no conflict between your Department, and the good men of the South. The Extremists on both sides desire it, but with a soldier and a Christian at its head, may we not hope it may be averted.

I should be glad to see and spend a few moments in unrestrained conversation with