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G. 10. S. M. D. 1867, Vol 2
Wilmington, N. C.
Sept 20, 1867

G. 174.
Gibbs. E.B.
2d Lt 8 Inf.

1 Enclosure

Reports action in making certain assets of Freedmen at Miltons Plantation. Bladen Co, N. Carolina

H. grs. Post of Wilmington

Wilmington, N. C. Sept 21st 67
E. B. 32
Respectfully forwarded for instructions as to what disposition shall be made of the within named April Lesesne (Cold) who is now confined in the Post Guard House.  The example made in the exposition of this Case, will have great influence over the colored people in this section who have in many witnesses under the instructions of political orders of their own color. become do believe government appointment do them and not only refuse to do anything required of them such as working on the Highway paying their taxes etc, but feel it then duty to resist and pest at defiance all efforts to enforce its mandates.
This man appears to have been the ring leader in this affair.  The circumstances are as follows so far as I can learn .  A warrant having been issued for one of the colored men for vagrancy the Constable went to the Plantation to make the arrest at the instance of this man. All turned out to prevent the arrest armed with guns pistols hoes shovels etc and drove the officers away.  He summoned others to his aid and were there first fired upon and beaten off.  They retired to Mr. Bryan's House but seeing the negroes marching and parading under the Command of this man they thought it advisable to make a good escape and did so through the back way.  The house was soon surrounded by the negroes but the men had already made their escape.
R. T. Frank
Bvt. Lt. Col and Capt 8th Infy
[[Comr?]] Post