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Executive Office August 16th 1865. Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of the Refugees Freedmen and Abandoned Lands for his consideration and action. By order of the President (sgd) R.D. Mussey Private Secty. War Dep't. Bureau Refugees &c. August 16th 1865. The case of Mr. Leake was referred to Genl. C.B. Fisk Asst. Commr, at Nashville August 14th Genl. Fisk telegraphs that he will send full statement in a few days but cannot recommend any especial favor in this case (sgd) Wm. Fowler Bvt. Maj. A.A.G. Executive Office August 16th 1865 Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Bureau of Freedmen Refugees &c. The records of this office show that B.B. Leake was specially pardoned by the President on the 27th ultimo and was thereby restored to all his rights of property except as to slaves. Not withstanding this, it is understood that the possession of his property is withheld from him. I have therefore to direct that General Fisk Asst. Commr, at Nashville Tenn. be instructed by the Chief Commissioner of Bureau of Freedmen &c., to relinquish possessions of the property of Mr. Leake, held by him as Asst. Commissioner &c. and that the same be immediately restored to the said Leake. The same action will be had in all similar cases. (sgd) Andrew Johnson Prest. U. States