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Secretary of War. 1st The presence of a military command and of the Freedmans Bureau being a military necessity in Wilmington, the occupation of necessary public buildings by them is proper and preferable to taking private property. The military commander will be instructed to turn over to the city authorities such portion of the buildings as may not be absolutely required for public services and to hold it no longer than such necessity may require. I am Sir Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant (Sgd) E. D. Townsend Asst. Adjt. General P.S. A copy of these instructions has been furnished Judge Wright - by direction of the Secretary of War. Official Jas. Anderson Lieut. A.D.C. and A.A.A. Genl.