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immediately assumed charge of the Camps. Prior to this and while the troops were in charge of the camp one outhouse and one mile of fencing had been destroyed. When Lieut Chapman took charge the Dwelling House, Corn Crib Smoke House and Ice House were still standing though in very poor order, a consideration portion of the fencing was still in good order. Between the 15th Aug and 20th Nov 1865, The ice House, Smoke house, Corn Crib and about one mile of fencing had been burnt or destroyed by the Freedmen occupying the Camp. No wood was furnished them, and they were compelled to use the lumber found in their immediate vicinity, consisting of the above mentioned outhouses, farm and garden fences, all of which were in a very dilapidated condition when our troops first took possession.
The amount of damages claimed, $1400. is in my opinion unreasonable, as the assessed value of the entire farm including land & buildings is but $1200. and this is the highest amount it was ever assessed at, when the buildings were in good condition prior to Gen. Lee's surrender. I have ascertained this fact from the official records on file in the County Clerk's Office of Lunenburg County. Upon a close examination of the damages sustained, I am confident that $600 would be amply sufficient to repair all the damages done the place, and would place it in better repair than when the troops took possession. I have consulted most of the citizens living in the vicinity of the farm, and they have expressed as their opinion that $600. would be sufficient to cover all
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