Freedmen's Bureau Records: Roswell Waldo to Mr.
Chofford, October 24, 1868
Summary:
Waldo requests that a gunsmith return to his owner a pistol placed in his care
for repair a few months prior, or compensate the owner for the loss of the
weapon.
Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
4th Division 9 Sub District
Virginia
Mr. Chofford
Gunsmith
Staunton, Virginia
October 24. 1868
Staunton, Virginia
Sir:
Complaint has this day been made at this office by Eldridge Jefferson (colored) that he placed in your possession for repair, in May or June last a six shooting revolver, which you now [illeg.] [illeg.] have been stolen from your shop and refuse to pay him therefore - As it was in your posession when stolen, you are of course responsible for its safe return to its proper owner or its equivalent - If this statement be correct you are respectfully requested to pay for or return the pistol to said Jefferson or measures will be taken against you unless you satisfy this office that you were not responsible under the circumstances [unclear: attending] the theft.
Very respectfully
Roswell Waldo
Assistant Sub Assistant Commissioner
