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in every way suitable to attend to their settlement; and if he has the power to force the white men to do them justice in all matters, he will do it without fear or favor to the Strict letter of the law. I allude to B. R. Thomas of this town.

Mr. Thomas is a gentleman of fine business Capacity, with much practical knowledge of law, and is really a friend to the Colored people. He is a thorough Union man, and always has been. He was sent to the Montgomery Convention by the Colored men, and can, and will take the Test Oath if necessary, for he never sympathised in any way with the Rebellion. Should you deem it necessary, we can get every sensible Freedman in the vicinity to sign a petition for his appointment as their Agent, with power to force the whites to deal justly with them.

General, I make this true statement of the Freedmens condition to you, purely to use my efforts to see them get simple justice, and I respectfully insist that you give the subject your consideration, at as early time as possible. Our civil officers here, with but few - if any exceptions,- are so bitterly opposed to all of us who favor re-construction, that neither the educated white, or Ignorant Colored Union men, expect to get justice from their hands. 

I am Gen. Very Respectfully
Your. Obt. Svt.
G. W. Graves

Gen. Wager Swayne
Comdg. District Ala &c.
Montgomery Ala