Freedmen's Bureau Records: J. L. Clark to Thomas P.
Jackson, July 9, 1867
Summary:
Clark once again responds to an unspecified claim made against his congregation,
asking Jackson to see the complaint, so that he and his congregation may have
the chance to respond properly.
Mr. ThosP Jackson
Agent
Bureau R.F. &
A.L.
at Staunton Va
July 9/67
Staunton Va
Sir
Yours of this date in reply to my note of yesterday is duly received & I beg leave respectfully to say:
As the party I represent is in possession of the Church edifice referred to we must, I presume be in the position of a defendant against some adverse claim. Occupying this position, I submit for your consideration whether it is not in accordance with what is usual & proper that we shall know, before we answer the claim or complaint which we are called upon to respond.
I had supposed that the investigation was founded upon some assertion of right
adverse to ours, but it now appears that the conflicting claims are to be
asserted before you & that you have already received a statement of the
plaintiff's pretensions. I beg leave respectfully to ask
that we
may
be allowed
to examine
the claim
[page 2]
thus filed in order that our congregation
may meet it fully & with precision upon all its points.
It is proper to say that we are actively engaged in preparation for our defense & that we will ask no delay that can by possibility be avoided.
respectfully
Your obt
svt
J. L. Clark
