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[[3 columned table]]
| When Recd | Name & Rank of Writer | Date & purport of Letter |
| --- | --- | --- |

| Nov 18th/67 | Merritt Barber 1st Lieut 24th Inf. A.A.A.G. | B.R.F. & A.L. Vicksburg Miss 
Nov 15th 1867

I am directed by the Asst Comr. to inform you that he approves your action in the case of Bates & Lea. |

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[[2 columned table]]
| Endorsements | Mem |
| --- | --- |
| Head Quarters 4th Military District
Judge Advocates Office
Vicksburg Miss Sept 20 67

Respectfully returned to Col O.D. Greene Asst Adjt. General 4th Military District. - It does not appear from the enclosed response of Bvt. Capt Woodward that the Civil Authorities failed to perform their proper duties, but on the contrary that this claiment had not at that time a sufficient title to the lands. The law is that a party claiming title and right to possession of real estate that he must rely on the strength of his own claim and not in the weakness of his adversaries title, it appears that this well known principle of the law was sustained and acted upon by the court in this case & that the claiments title has been perfected since that time. His course therefore is by a summary procedure in the civil court for possession of the land and for such damages as may have been sustained by him in the premises. - As provided for in Section II of an act relating to the removal of trespasses &c approved December 2d 1865 Pamphlet Laws of Mississippi - I can see no room for military interference.

Sigd D.G. Swaine
Lieut 34 Infantry
A Judge Advocate |   |

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