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Writes from Richmond Sept 4th to President Johnson that he is in the winter of his life, aged 65, has a large family, worth less than $20,000, has taken oath of amnesty and applies for restoration of his property. Has hesitated to apply for pardon, as he never took any part civil or military in the War, but was told he could not get his land without pardon and makes this statement direct having neither money nor influential friends to get it.
Endorsed by Gov Pierpont. Sees no necessity for pardon. Understands that Freedmen's Bureau has his property. Worthy old man. It cannot be held under the law, and hopes the old man will not be unjustly annoyed.
Writes again to Col. Brown Nov 16th asking restoration of his property. Did not abandon his property properly speaking but for self-preservation. Asks the proceeds of crop for present year. Has been deprived of it for four years, with a large family to support while Govt enjoyed the benefits of the farm, cut off the timber, burnt the enclosures, destroyed the houses, Mansion taken for residence of Freedmen, and "other grievances too numerous to relate." Farm is all he has to begin life again with