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Elyton Alabama
October 3rd 1866

Sir
I have the honor to request in behalf of the freedmen in the community that an agent of the Freedmen's Bureau be sent immediately to this county to protect them against beatings and brands that are daily being practiced upon them by their employers.  I am induced to make this request
at this time more particularly in behalf of Alek Massey and family who in often contempt of their contract have been driven from the plantation by their employer, Washington Buford, and told by the latter that they would not get an ear of corn of the several hundred bushels which they made with their own hands this year.

Alek Massey and all others in his condition can have no justice only through the interfention of the Bureau.  Buford in a fair settlement would sue the freedmen Massey and his family several hundred dollars, which according to the law of the state, could not be recovered short of eighteen months. In the meantime his family are left
without a home or a single dollar.  I do hope you will do something in the premises.
Respectfully
T Houghey

(Maj. Gen'ls Swayne.)