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Nov. 1863, I found quite a number of freedmen having their Cabins upon his land. I encamped two Regiments of Colored Troops, then being recruited, and two Regiments of Colored Cavalry, thereon, and assigned places for the erection of Cabins for the wives and families of the Soldiers who occupied them, while I was in Command, and, until after the organization of your Bureau.
Mr. Segar was not paid for the occupation of his land, by the freedmen, or by the United States for the freedmen. As the measure has been adopted of paying loyal citizens for the use of their land, so occupied by freedmen, I see no reason why Mr. Segar should not be paid a just compensation, therefor, the same as others.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully
Your Obdt. Servt.
(Signed) Benj. F. Butler.

May 30th, 1867.
As I believe, there is, and has been no doubt of the Loyalty of Mr. Segar, it seems to me, that, the Freedman's Bureau could settle [[blank]] in funds,