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Office of Intendant
Greenville Ala. 
11th July, 1866

Captain,

I know that I am against the current of popularity in making the suggestions which an honest man ought, but I must perform my duty according to the standard in my own breast.

Several months ago, I ventured to suggest the propriety of having cases between Freedmen and their Employers, tried in the offices of the Assistant Superintendents.  Experience pressed the propriety of this suggestion more earnestly upon me, every hour.  It is utterly useless to send these cases before the Dogberry's of the different Beats, where ignorance or the indifference of voters, hold the scales of justice.

In order to get at justice, I recommend, either that you take the position of United States Commissioner, or that Mr. William Miller of this place be appointed.  It was kindly offered to me, but I cannot take the test oath, as I understand it.

I think that it is so entirely consistent with the duties of the office to combine these positions that the union would promote public good. 

If is not your pleasure, or that

Transcription Notes:
Dogberry is a character created by William Shakespeare for his play, Much Ado About Nothing. He is described by The Nuttall Encyclopædia as a "self-satisfied night constable" with an inflated view of his own importance as the leader of a group of comically bumbling police watchmen.