Freedmen's Bureau Records: Thomas P. Jackson to John
A. McDonnell, February 19, 1868
Summary:
Jackson's letter to McDonnell describes a complaint by Hiram Thompson regarding
his horse that was stolen by a Confederate Lieutenant before the end of the
war.
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands,
Office 4th Division, 9th
Sub-District, Virignia
Captain John A.
McDonnell
Sub Assistant
Commissioner
Winchester
February 19, 1868
Staunton, Virginia
Captain
Hiram Thompson (colored) who lives near Fishersville in
Augusta County states that a General Long an officer in
the rebel army has in his possesion at or near Leesburg, Loudon County
Virginia a Bay horse, (black leg, mane & tail,
nearing 8 years old) which is the property of said Hiram Thompson and was stolen
from his stable during the war, by a Lieutenant
Hunter of Rockbridge County and by him transfered to
General Long in exchange for another horse.
Thompson claims to have information that his horse is not branded and was
claimed by General Long as [added: his] private property when General Lee's army surrendered. Thompson attempted to reclaim the horse
immediately after it was taken from his stable, but while he was seeking
evidence required, the command to which Lieutenant
Hunter was attached left Staunton, taking off the horse. Thompson been an excellent
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character and reliable
neighbors say there will be no difficulty in identifying the horse which was
well known as a valuable animal of Morgan stock. I am further informed that the
horse was taken by Lieutenant Hunter without any
authority whatever and has never been known as a public animal. I have the honor
to request such inquiry be made as will restore the
horse to Hiram Thompson if above fact can be proved.
Very Respectfully
Your obedient servant
Thomas P. Jackson
Assistant Sub Assistant
Commissioner
