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Clarksville Tennessee
Septr 6, 1865

A.J. Fletcher Esqr.
Secretary of State
Nashville, Tenn. 

Sir: 
I write to you for information on the following subject which is of vital importance to many of our citizens.
 
By the amended Constitution adopted February 22, 1865 all the slaves in Tennessee were made free. The Freedman's Bureau now assert and enforce that such of said slaves as are orphaned under twelve or aged and infirm shall be maintained by their former owners.

Will you inform me if there be no protection for the citizen against such claims or is each citizen bound to obey this law? Is there no way in which the validity of this course can be considered by the Courts of the Country. Are the Courts of Tennessee ousted and deprived of all jurisdiction in such matters? Are we deprived of the right of trial by Jury?
 
As former owners to be perpetually annoyed and taxed on testimony (negro) not recognized by our land, and to be held responsible for the [[?]] or disease of persons in whom they know no property and whose ownership thereof has been directed by solemn

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