Viewing page 106 of 219

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

NARA 719

This gang of desperadoes have so many in number and are so vindictive in their vengeance that the respectable and honorable citizens dare not expose their lawless acts for fear of the consequence that would follow such an act.
The Sheriff of the County (Mr Cox) is an energetic and faithful officer who labors constantly for the benefit of society. His whole heart and soul are in the object of restoring law and order
I have conferred with him almost daily and I bear cheerful testimony to his fidelity and zeal in his official duty
He has no authority to call out a guard for the jail and if he had that authority he could not arm them and they would be liable to be overpowered by the ruffians who throng this County
I fully approve the request of the Sheriff and hope that if an armed force cannot be sent here that a strong guard may be sent here on Monday next to remain during the session of the Court,

I have the honor to be Major
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
(sgd) H H Forster
Bvt Maj U S Vols
Asst Supt Bu R F and A L

P.S. I open this to inform you that last evening (the 16th inst) a band of these ruffians went to the house of John Miller of this County and shot Mrs. Miller dead and then went to the field where Mr. Miller was ploughing and tied him and took him into the woods when soon after shots were heard and Mr. Miller has not been seen since
In great haste I am Major
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servant
(sgd) H.H. Forster
Bvt. Maj. &c