Viewing page 244 of 281

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

former inspections I feel warranted in saying that Dr. Bowes is a most excellent officer, and that his services are very valuable to the Government.
   I was somewhat delayed in procuring the papers relating to the title to the Chatham Artillery  Armory property, at Savannah; they were in the hands of Major Genl Meade at Atlanta.  Having got them, I made a thorough investigation of the status of that property.  I had several interviews with the Mayor, and gentlemen representing the Stock-holders, also with Major Lewis, of Genl Sibley's Staff, who had given the matter considerable attention. 
   The property had been held by a stock-company since 1798, some of the stock-holders were loyal and some unqualifiedly disloyal.  The building was used during the War as a drill-room for the Artillery company, and other rebel organization.  But the Confederate Government never undertook to exercise any control over it, and claimed no property in it.  No steps were taken to confiscate it.  It was taken possession of by the U.S. Military Authorities upon the capture of Savannah, and in the autumn of 1865, passed into possession of the Bureau, precisely how, does not appear from the records in the office of the Asst Commissioner.  The yard connected with the building is used by the Quartermaster's department.  A portion of the building is used for School purposes, and a portion has been leased to a Jewish Society as a place