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Norfolk Va July 1865
I have the honor to request your attention to the following statement of facts; and request that I may be placed in possession of the estates of my father- the late Edward Parrish Dec'd- one far situated on the James River near Newport News another adjoining, but farther inland- I being the only child- I now hold the order for their possession from Genl Ord, but it is said that recent orders revoke it? the revenue of which has been withheld for the past four years;-
At the outbreak of hostilities we were residing upon the Estate in the enjoyment of every luxury of life- My father 70 years of age my mother and myself. Upon the occupation of Newport News Va by the Federal troops- our home not being more than a mile from the Camp- My father became alarmed and sought safety & advice from the U.S. Officers. The officers in command advised as a matter of safety that my father should remove his family to some other point, as under the present disorganized & undisciplined condition of the troops, full protection could not be granted.
Having resources at another point from which we might draw a livelihood, we removed to Richmond, leaving the estate in a well regulated condition, the farm well stocked, and the houses supplied with every necessary.
The excitement of the war made serious inroads upon my fathers and mothers health and the soon died, I at once determined to