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are shot out of mere wantonness, perhaps revenge. I have been a sufferer to the extent of having my house burnt, a valuable mule shot worth $400, my cattle and hogs killed in sight of my dwellings, and some of these acts were committed by the very negroes, who recently reported falsely to you that I detained them illegally on my plantation, and on said report you issued, your order to release the complainants, which on my part was promptly attended to.
Thus Colonel, you will perceive that all the killing and law is on one side, and unless the Govnment will claim its arms and thereby disarm the negroes our situation is truly an awkward one.
Believing that you will do all that is proper under the circumstantces, I remain
Your Obt Servt.
Y. B. Shepard

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