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Mobile Nov 24th 1865

Genl Swain
Montg'y
General

We the undersigned colored citizens of mobile, would respectfully request your most earnest attention to the following facts: facts of such misfortune as to demand the most rigid investigation. With the best intentions towards the Govt and our neighbors we find ourselves persecuted & defenseless We find our little property, our honest earnings and our lives unsafe. In this extremity we
appeal to you. It is not the Southerners we dread but the Federal soldiers.
For some times past the guards on duty in the city have been pursuing a course of extortion robbery & murder and we have yet to see an instance of punishment to the offenders.
The Bureau whose duty it is, affords no protection and does not endeavor to do so. We have a right to some sort of protection & you, General, must be aware of the consequences, if we do not receive some assistance from our legal protectors. On the night of last Tuesday two colored men were slain under circumstances

Transcription Notes:
edited: per Si ignore archives stamp, removed,