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Bureau of R.F. and A.L.,
Office of Ass't Sup't S.D.M.
Morganton, Burke County N.C.
August 31st 1866.

Colonel,

I have the honor to submit the following report, in obedience to order contained in endorsement dated "Office Sup't Dist. West. N.C., Aug 29th 1866." -

On the 1st day of August, a colored woman named Harriet, appeared at my office and complained that her husband, Elijah Conner, had been arrested on a charge of stealing a quantity of Wool; that he had been confined in jail, [[underline]] without a hearing[[/underline]]; that he had been whipped [[underline]] twice [[/underline]], receiving 39 lashes each time, and was to be whipped again on the 7th of August; and that he was then to be driven from his farm (rented of Mr. F. Caldwell) and from the county; - [[underline]]this[/underline]], the woman stated under oath. Believing her statement to be true, or of sufficient importance to require some action being taken, I immediately made a report of the case to the Sup't of my District, (dated Aug. 1st) and requested to be instructed as to what action, if any, I should take in the matter. I also wrote to Mr. Caldwell, requesting him to inform me why he had "taken the law into his own hands," and whether, or not, Elijah had been [[underline]]unlawfully[[/underline]] dealt with. Also, reminding him