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2 Office Assistant Commissioner Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands Montgomery, Ala July 31, 1865 Linus E. Parsons Sir: I have the honor to ask your attention to the annexed communication from the Mayor of Mobile. I shall not refer further to the Mayor's bill of charges against the colored people of Mobile than to say that their bill of wrongs against him is at least as full and better supported, and that I have transmitted to Washington some account of the same. But the published denial of the right peaceably to assemble, and the right to choose a place of habitation and industry is so marked a violation of the rights of a free people, and so directly hostile to the peace and dignity of the commonwealth, that I at once present it for your Excellency's consideration. It has not the practical vindication of necessity. I am assured that the demand for the labor of this people there, is greater than the supply. The inestimable value of good faith in this crisis is lost to them in the Mayor of Mobile. Violated confidence is not apt to be restored. Turbulence attends the cession to this people of their rights. It is lessened by every inflexible friend. May I add that those who are early and uncomprising, like the precursors of the Revolution, will be held for ages in exalted and affectionate remembrance. That this is no idle threat, is shown by 3 the accompanying record of this court. I am, Governor, Very respectfully, Your obedient Servant Prov Gov. Alabama Brigadier General Office Assistant Commission Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands Montgomery, Al. August 1st 1865 His Excellency, Gov. Parsons, Governor: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of a communication referred to me by your Excellency, from the Mayor of Montgy. Two points in the communication seem to have dictated the reference. I. In regard to the redundant negro population of the City. I have to suggest that persons whose earnings do not provide them with decent shelter, have no visible means of support, and are vagrants, subject to the jurisdiction of the Mayor. If the Mayor is unable to care properly for such persons, I will receive and remove them through my agent, Mr Buckley. II. In regard to the Mayor’s application for assistance, I have to state that in pursuance of a request made yesterday by your Excellency I arranged a detail of ten teams and a proportionate number of laborers to report to the Mayor this A.M. The teams were so reported, and I presume can be continued. The detail I am advised the Mayor said he did not require,
