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at the time, but the case was left entirely at the disposal of the Officer of the Bureau for this Sub District, then stationed at Salem and who after a thorough investigation, decided that the said Fractions only acted in self defense, having been first assaulted by Mr Preston, with a drawn Pistol, when on the eve of leaving his premises. This decision having been referred to Maj. Genl. Terry, Asst Comr and Military Commandant of the Dept. of Va. they were released by his order - and subsequently honorably discharged from the service of the United States. They then returned to their home, near Blacksburg, Mont'y Co. Va. in the vicinity of the Residence of Mr Preston who according to the testimony of the said Robert T Preston, have behaved themselves as good citizens ever since, not molesting him in any way, not attempting to violate his orders, by trespassing on his premises. The said Preston however has met them once at the church in Blacksburg, when he ordered them immediately to leave, stating that he was proprietor there - and that they and him