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Lowell Massachusetts
March 12th 1866.

Colonel O. Brown
Assistant Commr. Bureau of Refugees &c.
Richmond Va.

Sir;

On the 27th ult. I made application to Major General O.O. Howard, in charge of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, for a position in the Bureau and received, in reply thereto, answer under date of the 6th inst, that there is no vacancy at present to which he can make appointment, but suggested that application be made to some Assistant Commissioner for the desired position, as such are authorized to fill vacancies, that may occur in the State or States under their supervision.

In compliance with the above suggestion, I have the honor to apply to you for the desired position.  I base my application upon the amount of Services I have seen during the rebellion.  I was among the very first officers appointed to command Colored Troops, having received the appointment, upon the recommendation of Major Gen'l Howard, of Captain early in 1863.  I served therefrom and until the close of 1864