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of their [[mite?]], the limited means at our control being mainly consumed for those and such luxuries as we were not furnished with or accustomed to; knowing that master would provide the necessaries and substantials of living  But why say more on this  You have had ample time to have learned how this thing worked before the Conflict

But says Mr T. I was a rogue &c &c  Did he prove this Gen either to you or agnt in Clarke? And even if he had does that impair my right to being a father and that of Lucius more especially? Claims two children &c. &c.  If any such has ever been made I am not aware of it  The only one which I have ever made cause to give notice officially and it has been discarded from such false statements as the foregoing,  Being too young &c &c  I have children with me from 2 to 16 yrs old.  Judge then of the motive which prompts me.  The mother &c beind dead &c  What bearing can this have unless she had died before [[the war?]] being the time of her death. otherwise cannot affect my claim  And I repeat I am his father and he my son and demand respectfully his release from the custody of said Saml Thompson with satisfactory indemnity for his unlawful detention for the past six months  I return these papers through the hands of E C Powell (Freedman through whom you can again address me should you deem it necessary.

Most Rectflly Yr Obt Servt
Cook Smith       

Transcription Notes:
Mr T - Thompson (T looks more like F on this page but rest of letter indicates T)