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Bureau of R.F. & A.L.
Office Superintendent of Dist Va
Lynchburg, Va
August 6th, 1865

Colonel,

I wrote yesterday to you, that I have directed the seizure of these Govt horses for use of any departments, in each county.

Today, I learn that in giving this direction, I have violated a department order. No one, however, has a a copy of or has seen it.  I thought it an order of Gen. Gregg, and as it is an "absolute necessity" that I have the horses I regarded it as right, that I should take them.
My order was to exercise great discretion in the seizure taking those only which were not really needed on the plantation in consequences of there being a sufficiency of other horses to secure the crops.
My counties are large; complaints requiring the presence of officers, come in from all parts of the county---often twenty miles.
I cannot draw horses, nor are there mounted men to be given me, therefore in my opinion, this seizure of mine is a military necessity.  
If it be improper, please advise by telegraph.

Transcription Notes:
x appears to be used as a period, so that's how I transcribed them to avoid confusion.