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1074

over to the Freedmens Bureau.  The accompanying papers will substantiate the above statement of facts.

Under these circumstances I respectfully, in behalf of the Company, ask that you will cause the above tools to be restored to us.  After a suspense of operations for a long time this Company is struggling to resume its operations without the means of purchasing other tools.  As you no doubt, Capt, are advised the resources of the Southern people are almost entirely crippled by the late rebellion. Our ardent anxiety is to restore peace & quiet to the land and carry out in good faith our oaths of allegiance. Our mechanical pursuits need all the fostering care of the Government and the interests of the agricultural & mechanical classes of our community are in a great measure dependent upon these works which, before the late war, employed between 250 & 275 operatives. Now we need additional tools to do the work & give them employment & I again must respectfully & earnestly ask that you will cause the above tools to be returned to us. 
 
I am Capt with the highest respect
You Mo. Obt. Svt
W L Watkins, Prest of
The Petersburg Iron Works
  

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