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0518

name of the U.S. Government recd. rents for the same, That in the organization of the Bu. of Freedmen &c. said property was turned over to said Bu. into whose possession said prop. now is. That no proceedings, by way of libel, have ever been instituted against said property, as will appear by certificate of Clerk of U.S. District Court for Virginia herewith filed. It is simply held by the Bu. as abandoned property. That said property was never abandoned, as at the time it was seazed by the U.S. Govmt: agent it was in the charge & management of an agent of the said Association & the tenants then in possession, were those put there by said Association.

Your petitioner further represents, that neither he nor any of the officers of said association, is within the exceptions set forth in President Johnson's proclamation of 29th May 1865, & that by said proclamation they recd. full amnesty & pardon & promise of restitution of property rights &c. That your petitioner, as well as, all officers & stock holders, so far as he is advised, has taken & subscribed the said Amnesty oath of President Johnson of date 29th May 65. A copy of the fact of your petitioner having taken said oath is herewith filed as part of this petition.

In consideration of the foregoing facts, your petitioner respectfully asks that said property may be returned to him &c. & that such order or orders be made in the premises as may seem proper &c.

A.M. Tabb
Prst: Portsmouth
Building Association.