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Dadeville, Ala, April 28th 1868

Gen. O.L.Shepherd
Freemen's Bureau
Montgomery Ala

Dear Sir: On Saturday last three weeks ago Mr. A.B. Gresham (white)assaulted and stabbed me with a bowie knife. For two weeks it was uncertain whether I would live or die. He did this without any just cause or provications, for I gave him no offince, unless it was an offince to ask him to pay me for some work I had done in my blacksmith shop. The civil authorities have failed to take any notice of the matter, and hence, I appeal to you for justice. The following persons witnessed the assault - F.M. Sutton, John G. Fowler - Kennedy (all whites) Elbert Mitchell, Louis Bastock and others. I am still unable to work to support my family, and cannot expect to be for several weeks to come
Very respectfully, 
Your ob't Servt
Thos Young col

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