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E 143,

WD Aug 15, 1871,

Hon. Attorney General.

Sir:
I have the honor to request your opinion upon the point of law raised in the accompanying communication from the Commissioner of the Bureau of R.F. & A.L. viz: whether it is legal for his Bureau to retain from the sums collected by it for claimants colored soldiers, sailors, &c. the usual fees paid to attorneys for such collection.

The reason for discontinuing the free collection of such claims is exhibited in the enclosed circular letter.

Very respy &c,
A W.W.B. 
Sec'y of War.

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