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James City County May 13th 1867
Dear Sir
   Some few days ago I declared myself a candidate to represent  the district composed of the Countys of James City, Charles City, and New Kent in the next Legislature in the presence of a large collection of colored friends, and some of their rebel [[?]] who was present tryed to make them believe that you if I were elected would not let me hold the office from the fact that I acted as a Justice of the peace some fifteen years ago for a short time, I do say I  did act as a Justice of the peace about the said time, and was as good a Union man then as I am  now, and expect to live and die a Union man, And it is because of Union principles that makes the Rebels try to make the impression among the cold ones that you will not if elected let me take the seat, I can prove sir that I had nothing to do with the war I remained perfectly nutral I did not  vote in any of the Elections, either for sessision [[secession]] for Jef Davis or any officer in the government, at the begining of the war I had in possesion property enough which I had got by hard labour prudence and ecomey, to have surpoped me and kept me free from want in my old days, I have lost it all, and have many times wanted as well as my female family the common bread of life, I  have no doubt that your honor will simpathise with me in my old age I am now 58 years old, and respectfully ask you to give me some office that will pay something to assist me in my old days to make a living, and please answer the enquiry whether you will or not let me take a seat in the next house of delegates if elected. I think I can be elected, If you have any doubt about my being a Union man, I refer you to Captain Blake