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acquired title to the same by confiscation and sale. If then the State of Virginia war not in Insurrection, the property not abandoned, and no title acquired by confiscation and sale - by what authority can the property be held by the Bureau. It is true this property was taken by the Government for Military purposes, and when no longer needed for such purposes, it ought to have been restored - the possession of this property by the Government for military purposes, or from a military capacity, did not make it abandoned. 

I find I am writing much more than I intended. In conclusion I would remark, that you have an application for the restoration of other property belonging to the Bank - be pleased to consider this application at an early day and let me know your decision. I might anticipate it from the one before me, but I very respectfully ask from this statement I have made that you will reconsider your decision respecting the Banking Head and direct a restoration of the property

I am Very Respectfully

Your Obt Servt

James Murdough
Presid Bank Va. at Portsmouth