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Union Springs Ala Nov 13/66

Maj Gen Swayne

General

I am a "Justice of the Peace" in this beat and have also attented to the "Freedmens Bureau" business since the appointment of Thos Pullum," and being known by every negro in 10 miles of this place, am constantly resorted to in difficulties for 15 miles round here, from the [[strikethrough]] three [[/strikethrough]] 4 counties of Macon Russell, Barbour & Pike - hence my observation, experience and information are of no limited character.  I desire to call your attention to an evil which has not been noticed by our "Press," and which the Bureau seems to look over entirely - I shall speak impartially and candidly.

As a general rule our farmers and our citizens, in settling up with their laborers, no so, fairly honestly and liberally - but in all communities you find "Scoundrels to the manner born", who squandering their money for whiskey and other useless extravagances or hoarding it for selfish reasons with "miserly grasp," never pay white nor black.  I have in possession were several just & honorable claims of Negroes for various amounts, varying from 10 to 120 dollars, for which they have faithfully and fully rendered service, and I have turned over several to other majistrates, since