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Howard. P.O. Bell County Texas May 19th 1869 The Revd. Joseph Welch &c &c. Sir Last Sunday I held qr meeting for this charge here in my own neighbourhood. I furnished Bro Bill $20 to make some repairs on our church in Belton. He commenced work and last night the Church was set on fire, and while the colored people were trying to put it out, four shots were fired at them. I listen to night to hear of the Church being demolished. The Union men of the County are almost afraid to go to Belton, much less to hold offices and execute law. I do wish some one could be made to feel responsible for these outrages. Yours &c (sgd). T. B. Ferguson.