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Lexington Va. Jan 24th 1868

Genl O. Brown
Asst. Commr. 

General, 
I have the honor to state that the members of the Methodist E. Church South decline worshipping with the Freedmen of the M. E. Church and refuse to allow them (the Freedmen) to worship during their one half of the month notwithstanding that they do not use the church themselves, and they are trying to make the Freedmen purchase the right of preaching and using the church during the time they do not use it, or intend to use it, for $100. This the Freedmen decline to pay and wish to know what interpretation is to placed upon the following decision, and whether it does not imply their right to use the church at all times if the M. E. Church South decline using it as now, for public worship at any time. Copy of decision as follows. viz. __ "I am directed by the Commanding General to say that your action is approved, and that both parties will have an alternate occupancy of the churches referred to until the right of possession can be decided by the civil courts, or until further orders"__                    

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-12-15 15:57:03