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Marengo Co
LINDEN ALA JAN 4TH 1866
GEN WAGNER SWAINE
DEAR SIR
I HAVE BEEN SOLICITED TO ADDRESS YOU IN BEHALF OF THE FREEMEN OF THIS COUNTRY, BOTH BY THE WHITES AND BLACKS.  I INVITE TO ASK
YOU TO GIVE ME THE AUTHORITY TO CONFIRM CONTRACTS BETWEEN THE LABORER AND EMPLOYER. TO SETTLE QUESTIONS OF DISPUTE TO.  THE WHITES AND BLACKS, MOVE ESPECIALLY THE BLACKS SEEM TO WANT SOMEONE TO WHOM THEY CAN REFER ALL THEIR DIFFERENCES.  IT IS ALSO NECESSARY THAT SOME STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO INDUCE THE NEGROES OR FREEDMEN TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS OR DO SOMETHING FOR A SUPPORT. MANY OF THEM ARE LOAFING ABOUT THE STREETS AND WANDERING THROUGH ITS COUNTRY,WAITING FOR SOME IMPORTANT (TO THEM)EVENT TO TRANSPINE. WHAT MUST BE DONE? WHAT POWER WILL YOU INVEST ME WITH? THE NEGROES ARE CONTINUALLY COMING TO ME FOR COUNSEL AND MEANES.  I HAVE POWER TO ASSIST THEM.  GRANT ME WHAT POWER YOU MAY AND I ASSURE YOU I WILL NOT TRANSCEND IT.
|[[?]] RESPECTFULLY
SAMUL B JACKSON
JUDGE OF PROBATE

Transcription Notes:
Please do not use all caps. removed pipes (vertical lines)