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however, are being committed in some parts by reckless irresponsible parties. A freedman was hung by a mob near Lyon Point in Gibson County under the following circumstances as related to one Agent. A dwelling house was entered at night while the gentleman of the house was away from home. The females were retiring for the night, when the negro entered and blew out the lights — the family became alarmed and escaped. The next day the neighbors assembled to investigate the case, and the negro being recognized by the ladies was arrested. He acknowledged that he was the party who had entered the house and stated that his object was to commit a rape. He afterwards escaped from his guard and upon being recaptured was hung to a tree.

Mr. Poston in speaking of the lawlessness of a certain class of people states:

"On the Northern boundary of Haywood and Southwest of Gibson and South-east corner of Dyer Counties, there has been a body of Guerrillas or Ruffians, prowling through the country both day and night, robing freedmen, beating and shooting at them. On some occasions, until last Tuesday night the time above mentioned, five of the gang went to the house of one George Tatum, freedman, in the corner of Gibson County, beat him severely, broke two of his fingers and colar bone—left him and went to the house of another