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is invited to make out his application, supported by the necessary evidence to make it clear what my duty should be in each case.

A tremendous pressure is being brought to bear by returning citizens of all classes to get possession of their property. They are constantly writing letters to the President and the heads of different bureaux at Washington, filled with all kinds of misrepresentations in order to effect their purpose.

They [[crossed out]] all [[/crossed out]] seem to think that I have the power to return every house and every foot of land if I so desired. I have tried to explain to them the right course to pursue and that I must have some evidence of their position as citizens of the Confederacy, of their ownership, of their past history, & of their present relation to the United State's Government, before I can act. They naturally accuse me of bad motives, and misrepresent me in all their communications to Washington. 

It is becoming very unpopular with the army, and even with loyal citizens, to hold property of any kind belonging to the citizens of this State. I heartily wish that it was all turned over, or the policy of the Government more clearly