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as freemen and their duties as laborers. They appeared much pleased with the interview. I overtook my train at about 11 o'clock while nearly opposite McIntosh, Bluff. and just before reaching my train I discovered by the side of the road a newly made grave, a house standing near. I enquired whose grave? I was informed that only a five days before one Dr. Grierson a Union man and prominent citizen of Washington Co had been basely murdered & this was his grave. The supposed murderers had left the county or were secreted in the swamps and had not been seen since. Some months ago a negro was shot and these same persons are supposed to be the guilty parties. Their names are Oscar Jackson, & _ Martin. I understand they are a terror to the community. I could not of course discover their hiding place. In fact I was informed that Jackson had since been recognized in Mobile From this point commenced an aspect of the Country and its social condition which I can hardly describe. The crops are almost worthless and the most aboriginal form of the Government exists. Many must starve unless assistance be received and at many points a Military force should be stationed to teach the lawless submission. I encamped at Bassett's creek some 12 or 15 miles