Freedmen's Bureau Records: Thomas P. Jackson to John
A. McDonnell, September 9, 1867
Summary:
Jackson asks how Collins may be separated from his wife, Hannah. [In this letter,
Collins' name is given as Daniel, while in a previous letter, he is referred to
as David]. McDonnell's endorsement states that the only way to be legally
separated is for Collins to file for divorce.
Bureau of Refugeees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands,
Office 4th Division, 9th
Sub-District, Virginia
Capt. John A.
McDonnell
Sub Asst
Comr
Winchester
Sep 9 1867
Staunton, Va.
Captain
I have the honor to ask instructions on behalf of Daniel Collins (col'd) as to what will be his proper course in relation to his wife Hannah Collins (c) reported by your endorsement Aug 31 on my communication of Aug 28/67 as living with George W. Grey at Winchester as his wife.
Daniel Collins and Hannah Reed (Collins) are Registered in Augusta Co. as husband and wife (No 632) and Daniel states Hannah has certificate.
Daniel wants of course to be clear from Hannah and I respectfully ask if erasure from Register with statement of facts will be sufficient or if he must apply to the Court for relief & divorce. His means are limited for the latter.
Yr. obt sevt
Thos P Jackson
Agent
Bureau R.F. &
A.L., HdQrs 9th Sub Dist.
Va., Winchester, Va.
Sept. 11/67
Respectfully returned to Mr.
Thos. P. Jackson, agent. The only way in which Collins can obtain a legal separation from his wife is
to sue for divorce. To erase the name from the Register, while it could not be
authorized, would not alter the fact of his being legally married to her. The
registration is only an evidence of marriage. He would
be legally married, whether registered or not.
John A. McDonnell, Capt. &
S.A.C.
