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Dallas County Alabama June the 2nd 1866

Genl Wager Swayne,
Montgomery Ala,

Dear Sir,
I have been appointed by, Capt Saml S. Gardner, Agent of the Freedmen's Bureau, with power to approve contracts, and adjudicate all questions arising between Freedmen and others. I am also Justice of the Peace. Please inform me, if there will be any conflict, between the New Code, and the Bureau? If I remember your instructions of last year, Civilians Agents, are allowed the fees for approving contracts, and in all cases of adjudication, to charge a reasonable fee - give me full instructions on these points. I have in one instance ordered out a sufficient number of the malitia, to quell a Riot, and hold the parties, until the cases could be made out under the law, wich was done, and the papers, and parties turned over to the Circuit Court, as the law directs. out of this case has grown another - the contracts were appro' by me, and after the Riot, I deemed it unsafe for one of the Freedmen to remain on the place - consequently I released him from the contract, and his family also, - and procured them a good home, and good wages. The parties are, ie, the employers, are trying to enter suit against me for damages. What control have I over the Militia? How far am I protected from damages by the Bureau? Please