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118

Norfolk, Oct. 12th 1865

Maj. Gen. Terry
Commdg. Dept of Virginia

Sir,
As the legally appointed Agent of Mrs. A. A. Wright the Owner of the Property referred to I would respectfully call your attention to the accompanying Certified Copy of an order issued by Bvt. Brig Gen. Mann and directed to Mayor Tabb of this City -

The Act of Congress Explicitly interprets the meaning of the Term "Abandoned" in the following words - "Property Real or Personal shall be regarded as Abandoned when the lawful owner thereof shall be voluntarily absent therefrom, and Engaged either in Arms or otherwise in aiding or Encouraging the Rebellion" - U.S. Statutes 1863 &4 page 376, Sec 2nd

On the 10th of Oct. 1865, five months after the Rebellion was over, and nearly two months after the owner (Mrs. Wright) had taken the Oath of Amnesty, Gen Mann declares that it has been ascertained that the property "Comes under the Abandoned Property Act" - I can not understand how Mrs Wright can be "engaged Either in arms or otherwise in aiding or encouraging a Rebellion" five months after it has ceased to exist - 
The order of Gen Mann is the first step ever taken by the Military Authorities towards the seizure of this property, none has ever been

Transcription Notes:
The third time the General's name is used, it looks clearly like Mann