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Baltimore 21 October 1865

Colonel,

It requires but three days to get an answer by mail from Old Point or Norfolk. Two weeks have elapsed since I received a letter from Capt Flagg, saying he was ready to pay my claim on the return of two receipts, then enclosed, with my signature. They were given, which I had already done when at Old Point some weeks previous.

Were I to publish a history of this case beginning in June with the clerical error discovered before the officer left the village, which he refused to correct - then my journeys to Washington, Richmond and Old Point in July and August - then your repeated orders to Capt. Flagg to settle the account, which he has not obeyed; it would be pronounced one of the most extraordinary cases of "red tape" ever known. I complain not of you, for you have done your duty; but there is blame somewhere. It is no fault of mine that I have to appeal to you again. 

Very respectfully 
Your Obed Servt
F.W. Smith
Box 556

Col. O. Brown
Freedmen's Bureau 
Richmond

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