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668
September 4th

Captain
The case referred by you to this office Aug 10th wherein a certain party had entered suit against a freedman for the board of his four children, from 20th of August 1865 to 25th Dec 1865 has been laid before the Ass't Commissioner for his decision, and by him I am directed to say that the Bureau has not the Authority to interfere with the prosecution of said suit. In case judgment is brought against the freedman for the board of the children referred to, you are directed to instruct his attorney to file a bill for the services of the mother, as an off-set for the board of the children - If the civil authorities refuse to allow this bill, the case can then be brought before the Bureau for action it having occurred prior to the time at which freed people were allowed to testify in court.

Respectfully
Your Obt Servant
T.F. Forbes
Lt. & A.A.A.G.

Capt. N.S. Hill
A.S.A. Com'r 
Macon Ga.