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Freedmen's Bureau Records: Roswell Waldo to Frederick Cary, November 3, 1868

Summary:
Waldo wishes to know the details of a contract between Nicholas Cozzens and Carey. Carey had promised that Cozzens could live on his land for the fee of cleaning up the property, but now insists on charging rent.

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Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands 4th Division 9 Sub District Frederick Cary, Esquire
Waynesboro,
Virginia

November 3. 1868

Staunton, Virginia

Sir -

Nicholas Cozzens (colored) complains to this office that you charge him $36 ⁰⁰ for the past years rent of property [illeg.] he lives (Consisting of 1^1/2 acres of land with [unclear: loghouse]thereon) in direct violation of agreement [unclear: made] between you, which was that he should [unclear: have] the use of house and land during his life time in considertaion of the cleaning up of the same by Cozzens which has been faithfully executed by him - You also threaten him with executions to the amount of rent unless it be immediately paid.

You are, therefore, respectfully requested to make no demonstration toward the ejection of said Cozzens from the premises or Cause your Claim to be prosecuted until the undersigned shall be Convinced of the justice of your Course. to this End you will please file in this office without delay your statement in regard to the agreement between you, & whether you have undisputed title to this land in question.

Very respectfully
Your obedient servant

Roswell Waldo
Assistant Sub Assistant Commissioner