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Correspondence.

BUREAU REFUGEES, F. & A. L.
Office Sub. Asst. Commissioner,
COLUMBUS, MISS., SEPT., 17th, '68.
Edward Thompson, Esq.
Mayor of Okolona, Miss.

Sir:
Complaint has been made at this office that you have treated in a very unjust manner one Parish Houston (co'd,) and have taken from him the sum of $60, without allowing him any witnesses in his case. It is also stated that you have garnished his employer Dr. Knox, and have not notified Parish according to law of the same.–You are directed to make a statement in regard to the proceedings of this case and forward the same to this office.

Very Respectfully,
Your Obed't. Serv't.
JAMES KELLEY.
Capt. 34th, U. S. Inft Sub Ass't Com.

REPLY.

MAYOR'S OFFICE,
OKOLONA, MISS., Sept. 18th, '68.
James Kelly, Capt. & c.,
Columbus, Miss.,

Sir:
Your favor of yesterday is just read. In reply, I have to state, that the complaint you received is not only false but infamoes [[infamous]]. Houston Parrish was tried by me, charged with a breach of the Peace, was fined as under my oath of office, I thought his offense merited. He toek [[took]] an appeal from my decision to trial by Jury of twelve men, this jury was carefully made up of the best citizens of Okolona, after a full hearing they confirmed my verdict.

Fhroughout [[Throughout]] the entire proceedings he had Attorneys and all the witnesses he asked for.

I issued Execution and Garnishee, in pursuance and in keeping with the Statute of this State in such cases made and provided.

This is the whole history, though I preper [[prefer]] that you should come to Okolona and investigate the matter on the spot.

Very Respectfully,
Your Ob't. Sev't.
E. P. THOMPSON,
Mayor of Okolona.