Freedmen's Bureau Records: Thomas Wholey to W. S.
James, January 10, 1866
Summary:
Wholey writes to the War Department about property of his in Staunton that was
seized first by the Confederate Army, and then by the Union Army. The lot was
since turned over the to Freedmen's Bureau, and Wholey requests the return of
the lot and compensation for lumber he stored on the property.
Col. W. S. James
Chief
QM
Dept
Va and N.C.
Richmond, Va
Jany 10th 1866
Staunton, Virginia
Colonel
I have the honor to call your attention to the following statement of grievance
which has and still continues to occasion me considerable loss and
inconvenience. I have been a resident of Staunton Va for the last fourteen years by my industry I
succeeded in purchasing a lot here in 1861 before I could build on it the Rebel
officials took possession of it in 1862 for a camping ground and in 1864 erected
thereon a Barracks for their soldiers, which they occupied until the collapse of
the rebellion. During all that time I received no compensation for its use.
After the surrender of Lee I took possession of it and ploughed the lot up and
planted it. I also put there 2,200 twenty two hundred feet of lumber for
building purposes in May when the U.S. forces occupied this place they took
possession of the building for barracks because
[page 2]
because it
had belonged to the Confederate Government. The result was that every expense
and labor in the fencing and lot were lost. Capt T.
J. Farnsworth A.Q.M. also took
possession of the lumber I had put there promising to pay me for it, but never
did. Since July the 58 Pen Vols
have used it. The Q.M. of the Regt informed me that he had no authority either to
recompense me for its use or give me possession of the lot, since they left I
learn that the building has been turned over to the Freedmen's Bureau and as the
building remains on the lot, I am still deprived of its use. I enclose herewith
a deposition taken before Capt. Thos Johnson Provost Marshall showing that I put the lumber referred to
on the lot and also enclose a letter from Col Clay
to the Q.M. of the 58 Pen Vols
[added: in relation] to said lot.
I am and always have been a Union Man and have been so considered [unclear: such] in my neighborhood. I have never been in the Rebel service nor any of my family.
Hoping this will meet your favorable consideration.
I am Col
Very Respectfully
Your
obedt Servt
Thomas Wholey
