ALS in pencil, signed “Jno. S. Mosby,” one page, 7.75 x 10, June 25, 1903. From Montgomery, Alabama, Mosby writes to W. I. McGee at the General Land Office in Washington, DC. In full: "On the 15th I wrote a letter to the Commissioner wh[ich] demanded a prompt answer, but so far I have not heard a word in reply. I want to G.L.O. to answer, 'Yes,' or 'No:' I don't care wh[ich]. It is impossible for one man without assistance [to] do the work of investigating, & prosecuting timber trespassers. It w'd require all my month's salary & per diem to pay for it & then I w'd probably never get it back. Last month I charged 45 cents for two telegrams & $2.00 for livery for driving 20 miles, to serve a notice of the hearing in a contest. All sorts of quibbles are made & I can't get my money back. I have use for my pay & can't afford to advance it to the Gov't when I will probably never get it back. I am a little afraid that this letter may cause a suspicion of your loyalty." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Mosby's hand. In 1901, Mosby became a special agent for the General Land Office, on the trail of illegal ranch land fencers and timber trespassers in Colorado, Nebraska, and Alabama. An interesting letter from late in the intrepid Confederate ranger's post-war career.
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