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0768

now pressing for compensation under similar circumstances and I do not see why only unconditionally loyal men should suffer. My Brother was in the Rebel Army, but he was simply an ignorant youth incapable of resisting the overwhelming social pressure brought to bear upon him. He probably never read a line about State rights, & never had but a rude notion what he was fighting for. When he was a prisoner I wrote to Presd't. Johnson, whom I knew personally as Mil Gov'r here, stating his case, and he thereupon immediately released asked him. 

Feeling entirely satisfied that you will do what is right & proper in the matter of the application to you on our behalf, I have the honor, Colonel, to subscribe myself.

Your Obedient Servant
R. McP. Smith

P.S. I would most earnestly request that when no longer wanted by the Gov't the above property be delivered promptly to me, not that real Estate is high we could sell it advantageously & the proceeds would avail to start some of the heirs in business who are now hard put to it to soon a subsistence.