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0744

Memorandum of the case of Dr Chas Richardson of Spencerville Md.

Dr. Richardson addressed a letter to this office dated Nov. 21. 1866. (R #130., Vol. 8.), stating that large numbers of destitute freedmen were living in his neighborhood who will suffer greatly this winter unless relieved. On reference of this communication it was received back (EB. p. 138) endorsed by Bvt. Lieut. Col. Allan Rutherford that "no such destitution exists and Dr Richardson's neighbors consider his statements unreliable." Communications returned to writer.

Another letter (R. #1. Vol 9, '67) dated December 23. 1866., addressed to this Office, Dr. Richardson refers to former communication. He states that he would not have addressed this Office had he been aware of a local Bureau agent to whom he could write; that his sole reason for writing was to prevent suffering such as had occurred for 2 or 3 years previous, & that he was unable, monetarily, to relieve this state himself, and so applied to the Bureau. - He adds that he has lived at Spencerville for 5 or 6 years, and has always had bitter enemies; that he has succeeded in spite of them, and that Col. Rutherford probably received his impressions from some of these people. - He complains furiously respecting this "vile slander"