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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands.
Washington City, May 9th, 1868.

Bvt Brig Genl O.L. Shepherd
Assistant Commissioner for Alabama


Dear General,
Mr. Simpson's petition has been laid before me. Your decision is that the subject should be left for the consideration of the civil court. That is a good decision; but according to Mr. Simpson's account given to me in conversation, the magistracy is utterly worthless, being completely paralyzed by fear of death from the colored people.

I would therefore recommend that men be chosen who will fearlessly do their duty in arresting those criminals who unlawfully shoot or otherwise kill or carry away stock belonging to other parties.