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Bureau R.F. and A. Lands
Sub District of Bolivar,
Bolivar Tenn Oct 3rd 1868,

Lieut W.H. Bower
A.A.A. Genl. Bu R.F. and A.L. 
Nashville Tennessee


Lieutenant,

I have the honor to submit the following report as the result of the investigations made by me into the hanging of one and disappearance of another Freedman at Pocahontas Tenn. on the 21st day of Sept 1868.

I went first to "Grand Juction" and from there to Pocahantas on the 1st inst. and from the reliable information received at both places find the facts to be;  That one Pat Smith is a Superintendent over some "Stone Masonary" work on the Memphis and Charleston Rail Road about two miles from Pocahontas.  About the 18th ult, he employed a strange negro (name unknown) to cook for him and his employees;  not liking him, Smith on the next day paid him up and discharged him, Smiths cabbin was on the opposite side of Hatchie River, from his work, and some time after they had gone to work this negro returned to the cabbin broke open the door and took a satchell containing two watches, some gold, notes and private papers, and made his escape;  Smith shortly after discovering the matter went to Pocahontas and telegraphed in every directions for his arrest, which was finally accomplished on the 21st at "Grand Junction" by B.P. Robinson Conductor on the M and C.R.R. and the hands of his train;