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below St. Stephens. On Monday reached St. Stephens at o'clock a.m. I have met Capt Smith with six men of 21st Missouri Vols appointed to administer the oath. From Capt S. I received much valuable information. I saw however myself much of the people and held a long interview with a Mr. Houston of this place. The only Union man & prominent man throughout this section of the country.
I learned that threats men made upon the lives of Capt S. & his little squad of which I made report to the General Comdy  requesting that his full company be on demand to report to Capt- S. I was much gratified to find my suggestion was favorably entertained. I am sure the irregularities carried on these principally towards the freedmen will be corrected. Capt S. is a live and determined officer.
A gross outrage had been perpetrated within 15 miles of this place a fortnight before. A freedman had returned to the plantation of a Mr. Fletcher to get his wife. Fletcher resisted the negro, shot him and afterwards cut off his head. On hearing of it Capt Smith with one man went to arrest Fletcher but he had made his escape & had not been seen since. he was not to be found when I passed. Capt S. assures me he will get him if he comes again into the country. I gave the Capt a few suggestions on this point.

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