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Ritchie-Harrison Papers ALS [1865]

Folder 236

B[enjamin] C[hambers]

Ludlow, Head Quarters,

Peninsula District, to Robert R. Ritchie

Re: answer to Ritchie's letter by "the Superintendent of Negro Affairs of York County"; inquiry about property "leased by Govn't to thirty negroes"; decision that the property "cannot be given up to the original owner until the expiration of the term of lease". 2 pp.

Head Quarters Peninsula District

Robert R Tichie

Your communication [illegible] dated "Richmond April 25th 1863" was referred - for a report - to the Superintendent of Negro Affairs of York County, who endorses it as follows

"The property referred to in this communication is in possession of the Negro Depart. of this District: 280. acres of it is owned by Govn't to thirty negroes. Many of whom have built themselves small houses, [illegible[ fences, and broken up the ground, and planted crops, the balance of the land is sized as [illegible].

x x x x x x x x x

Their leases will not expire until 31st Dec. 1865. x x x "

This property leasing been taken possession of by the U.S. Govn't as "abandoned" - has passed into [illegible] parties lands, and cannot be given up to the original owner, until the expiration of the term of lease contracted for, between the U.S. Govn't & the present occupants.

Yours very respect'ly

B C Lundler

[illegible] Brig Gen

Comd'g