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[[preprinted]]
FREEDMEN'S BUREAU,
PROVOST MARSHAL'S OFFICE,
Meridian, Miss., ^[[July 23d]] 1865.
[[/preprinted]]

Lieut Col. R. S. Donaldson
Actg. Asst Commr Freed Bureau

Colonel

I have the honor to state that the justice of the peace at this place assumed the authority a day or two since, to commit two Freedmen, Oliver & Edmond, (I think their names) accused of Burglary. I understand the men are to be forwarded to Jackson to await trial by Civil Courts. Clearly there are no civil laws in this state that can take jurisdiction to punish such cases ^properly as I understand them. The case will go before the Gov'r in a day or two as the men are to go forward to day I think.

I forwarded the name of Capt. N. G. Gill 38 Ill. for detail yesterday will send you another today.

I am Very Respectfully
[[signature]] C. W. Clarke [[/signature]]
P. M. Freedmen

Transcription Notes:
C.W. Clarke