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FREEDMEN'S BUREAU,
PROVOST MARSHAL'S OFFICE,
Meridian, Miss., 14th July 1865.

Asst Commissioner Freedman's Bureau
Montgomery Ala

Sir
There are many complaints reaching my Office, daily from Sumpter & Choctaw Counties Ala. of great cruelties practiced upon Freedman by their former Masters. Whipping and the most severe modes of punishment are being resorted to, to compell the Freedmen to remain at the old Plantations and the Negro kept in ignorance of his real condition.

I have tried to protect them but not being within my District as defined by Col Thomas Com'r for State of Miss, I would respectfully call your attention to the fact that the arms of the Government are being perverted, and the rights of Freedmen trampled upon. Accept the assurance of any 

Transcription Notes:
[[/stamp]]: THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES