To James Speed1Jump to section
I have sufficient evidence that R. A. Gray, bearer of this, is loyal man, and entitled to be treated as such, but I know nothing as to his rights concerning the property, or rents mentioned within.
Feb. 7. 1865 A. LINCOLN
Annotation
[1] AES, DNA GE RG 60, Papers of Attorney General, Segregated Lincoln Material. Lincoln's endorsement appears on an unsigned document:
``It being represented to me that H. Jouette Gray, of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Virginia is the owner of a lot of land on the North side of Pearl street, between Western Row and Plum streets, now occupied by certain tenants under a lease originally made to one Alexander McKenzie; And it being further shown to my satisfaction that said Gray, although within the rebel lines, is nevertheless, loyal to the Federal Government, and has not in any [way] aided the rebellion, I do hereby authorize and permit the said Gray, personally or by attorney to collect the ground rents, due or to become due on said property, and to sell or otherwise dispose of said real estate in such manner as to him may seem right and proper, Washington January 1865''