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County, and come to the vicinity of this place, and obtained employment, leaving their crops. Such, however, is the terror inspired by the threats and outrages of this man Briscoe that it was only by accident that I learned of the State of matters in that locality tho I generally visit that section once a month, and no one has had courage to report him.

It will be of little use to send a force of troopers openly to arrest him, as he would leave the country until all danger of arrest was over, and return to continue his career of crime. I suggest that if authority exists, warranting such a course, a posse of detectives, or soldiers in citizens dress, be sent to arrest him and with the aid of the people, white & black, take him by surprise when asleep, as otherwise he would make a desperate resistance, and probably several lives would be sacrificed.

Very Respectfully Your obt Servt
[[signature]] Geo S Hawley [[/signature]]
Agent B. R. F. & A. L.

Lt. E. N. Ward
Post Adjt
Morganton N. C.

L. B. P. 321.