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for the last thirty years.

It is true he paid the taxes which were imposed upon his property here, which he could not have avoided, had he desired it as we were never within the lines of the U.S. until Gen Lee's surrender -

During his absence from Norfolk a part of his property lot No 6. Roanoke Square was taken possession by the authorities of the U. States, and is still held by some officer connected with the Freedmen's Bureau and all his efforts to regain possession have thus far been unavailing - 

I cannot suppose that a case such as I have stated, where a man's absence was involuntary, could have been within the meaning of any act of Congress or military ordinary. It must have been intended to apply to cases of the voluntary abandonment of property by its owner - Under this conviction I have advised Mr. H to apply directly to you, with the full assurance, he would receive 

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