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Richmond Tx Jany 25th 1866
Brig. Genl. Gregory
Sir
Capt. Saml. C. Sloan Sect. Asst. Com. of the Freedmans Bureau has referred the accompanying documents to me for exploration. It is with pleasure that I undertake to inform you in all the points of the case that have come to my knowledge officially. On the 8th day of December (I think) Col. William Ryan produced before me, five little and larger children, whose complexion, plainly disclosed their Indian blood - The Mother a mullatto slave of Col. Ryans also appeared. Col Ryan stated to the Court that the father of those children was a Mexican, who resided with him for 25 years immediately preceding his death - And that when on his death bed, begged of him and obtained the promise - that he Col. Ryan would never part with these children, & would extend to them a continuance of the kindness that the father had enjoyed for so many years. Col Ryan who, under the former social organizations was the owner of the slaves (for by our laws the followed the condition of the mother) - Thought after the publication of Genl. Grangers proclamation, that he could only sustain his promise to the deceased Mexican through the actions of our County Court. and asked for the Guardianship of these children under our statute.
It was manifest that the mother being living raised difficulty in the usual course - but out statue provides - "that if a parent be adjudged unfit for