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soon be ordered from the State. Such a course I believe would be disastrous not only to the Freedmen but to the General quiet of Country.

I trust that this rumor may be unfounded but if it is not I would respectfully request that you use yours influence to have he troops retained; at least until the civil authorities make some decided effort to correct the existing lawlessness.

I have sent you a copy of the "Nationalist" (Yesterday Edition") which contains my report to Gen'l De Russy in regard to the affair at Bladon Spring Ala

During the want of civil law in the upper counties of this District and the lack of jurisdiction of the City Courts in cases from these places;- I applied to Brig. Gen'l De Russy for authority to establish a "Freedman's Court" upon the basis of a "Provost Court" for the trial of such cases as are not criminal in their Character or do not involve the settlement of claims to Real Estate. I did this because of the many complaints made by Steamboat hands and others from up the River, for non-payment of Wages, assaults &c, which could not be reached by the City-Courts.