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American Freedmen & Union Commission
(N.E. Branch.)
Richmond, Va. Feb'y 24th 1866

O. Brown,
Col. & Ass't. Commr.

Colonel -
By a note just received from Mr Watkins it appears that he proposes to gain possession of that piece of United States property known as the "Winder building" in this city as well as the ground on which it stands; and that in case you decide adversely he proposes to go to Maj. Gen. Howard, the Sec'y of War and, "if need be to the President of the United States".

Very well - Good men, who love their country, I propose to go too. What is this case?

The Winder building stands on Mr. Watkins' lot. This Commission occupies a portion of said building, first, by advice and authority of Maj. Gen. Terry, and now by your own. It has expended a considerable sum of money to fit it up for the following purposes:

1st  Six schools for indigent white children for whom there are no educational advantages - nor can be for some time to come.

2d  A public Reading Room for the poor. Richmond has none.

3d  An Industrial Department, now in successful operation for destitute white and colored women.

If Mr. Watkins sucedes in his designs and converts the building into stores &c. this large and highly important work falls to the ground. The money expended is lost. The poor & needy are deprived of the benefits designed for them. Hence, I remonstrate.

The Commission has not the slightest wish to occupy Mr. Watkins' ground against his interests or will. If agreeable, it will pay him a fair ground rent, or, cheerfully consent to the removal of its portion of the building to another lot to be provided by the Commission.