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Office Bureau RF & AL
Greenville, Ala.
July 10th 1866

Major

Your letter of the 9th inst. in reference to the withdrawing of the detail of soldiers at this place is just received. I deem it very necessary that a few soldiers be allowed to remain here. I keep a guard over the Commissary store house every night to prevent theft or incendary; a few days ago the Sergeant was making some purchases in a hardware store, when he was assailed, and shamefully abused by three men of this place, because his (the Sergeants') Government has ruined this country. The Sergt. being a very inoffensive man was compelled to retire to prevent a conflict. I learned afterward they said that they thought that they were talking to the man in charge of the Bureau.

You must know that in my position there is a great difference between discharging my duty with a view to Justice; and discharging a duty with a view to please any Particular class of persons: it is very evident that there are many violent characters here; who have no respect for themselves or the law. and after reading the Advocate they feel justifiable, directly or indirectly to annoying the Bureau: but with the presence of a few guards they feel the necessity of keeping (if not quiet) a respectable distance.

Transcription Notes:
2-19-2021: Transcribed and marking for review