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214 Personal. (2d Vol F. 13) May 5th 1866. Howard Maj Genl. O.O. Commissioner General I visited Petersburg yesterday to ascertain whether anything could be done with the civil authorities to secure Gordons' release. I found it impossible to have the case dismissed. if the civil authorities are allowed to retain custody of him they will try him: if they try him, they will in my opinion convict him I see no way to reach the case unless the Commissioner should order me to have it tried before the Bureau Court, in which case the military would not be compromised at all, as arrangements could be made to get the custody of the prisoner without calling for Military aid. The objection to this plan is, the offence with which the lad is charged, was not committed against a colored man, but against the commonwealth. If the Bureau Court should find the boy quilty the case could go before the Commissioner on an appeal. I am General Very respectfully Your obedient servant (Sigd) O Brown Bvt Brig Genl & Asst Com official James A Bates A.A.A.G. (2d Vol. F. 15.) May 5th 1866 Howard Maj Genl. O.O. Commissioner General I learn that the Regiment to which Lieut H.S. Merrell belongs, has been, or is about to be, mustered out, if so, I would respectfully ask that Lieut Merrell may be retained for duty in the Bureau- I am General Very respectfully Your obedient servant Sigd O Brown Bvt Brig Genl & Asst Com official James A Bates A.A.A.G. 215 (2d Vol. F. 16.) May 7th 1866. Howard Major Genl. O.O. Commissioner General I have the honor to state in relation to the burning of the colored churches in Petersburg Va. that a large reward has been offered by the civil authorities of that place and every effort is being made by them and the officer of the Bureau to discover the guilty parties I am General Very respectfully Your obedient servant (Sigd) O Brown Bvt Brig Genl. & Asst Com official James A. Bates A.A.A.G. (2d Vol. F. 17) May 7th 1866. Howard Major Genl O.O. Commissioner General I have the honor to enclose vouchers &c. for retained bounty due the following men Viz: John Gilchrist $100.00 William H Reid $100.00 Asher Beasley 100.00 Charles H. Jarvis 100.00 Henry Jourdon 100.00 Alfred Fletcher 100.00 Robert Hinton 100.00 William Smith 100.00 John Raivley 100.00 Richard Barnes 108.33 John Boston 100.00 Henry Francis 100.00 John Stevens 100.00 David Pace 109.00 Eldridge Drury 100.00 Lewis Hall 109.00 George March 100.00 Edward James 100.00 Frank Richards 100.00 Total $1926.33/100 I am, General, Very Respectfully Your Obt Servant (Sigd) O. Brown Bvt Brig Genl & Asst Comr. Official James A Bates A.A.A.G. (60 Enclosures)
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