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brother and his property; and in our last interview you gave me possession verbally of his dwelling house on Ferry Point, with the assurance that his farm and his house on Freemason Street would soon be formally given up again to my control.  And [[strikethrough]] you [[/strikethrough]] from remarks of yours in our occasional conversations during your long residence in Norfolk, I have flattered myself that you heard enough of me and my brother, Mr. Thomas A. Hardy, to satisfy you that his property ought not to have been taken from my control; indeed, you kindly expressed regret at one time that it had been done.  Judge then, Colonel, of my surprise at hearing from Mr. Manning, that you told him you did not think my brother's property would be restored to him until he had obtained a pardon from the President*.  Pray, what has he done to be pardoned for? - Have you any evidence against him? - If so, please let Mr. Manning know it, so that he can inform my brother.  It cannot be possible that after waiting so long, he is now to be subjected to the expenses & delay necessary to obtain a pardon.  May I ask of you, Colonel, a favorable consideration of his case, and that of my nephew, at once; and that you will send me an order or your assistant here to restore their property to my control? - It may be proper for me to remark that, in addition to the "oath of allegiance", my brother has since taken Prest. Johnson's "Amnesty Oath".  I hold full power of attorney from my brother and my nephew.  

I am, Colonel, very respectfully yours,
Wm J. Hardy

*Mr. Manning informed me at the same time of yr. kindly feeling towards my brother and myself, and of yr. desire to see my brother's property restored

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-01-29 15:31:03