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of Lee's army. Mrs. Besex, the only and proper guardian of these boys desires that, this Bureau collect the pay for the services of her grandson John A. Stephenson, from January 1st 1863 - it being the date of the proclamation of emancipation to December 25th 1865, minus twenty Dollars ($20.00) before mentioned already received.

This old lady, and her grand sons are very poor, and not able to prosecute this case in the civil courts. I presume that, Mrs Buckner has already settled with Mr Simpson as he pretended to be entitled to the hire of John, for his services but, be that as it may, it does not at all relieve her from settling with the proper person, as John A. Stephenson, was at the time, as free in the eyes of the Law, as she, or Mr. Simpson, and her having paid Mr. Simpson that which she had no business to, and he, Mr. Simpson, having received that which he had no business to receive, should not exempt Mrs Buckner  settling with the proper party for the hard earnings of a boy for nearly three years.
I am Sir Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
Sidney B. Smith
Bvt Capt & A.S.A. Comr.