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informed that only a few days before on Dr. Grierson a Union man and prominent citizen of Washington Co. had been basely murdered and this was his grave.  The supposed murderers had left the county or were secreted in the swamps and had not been seen since.  Some of the citizens here had made efforts for their arrest.  Some months ago a negro was shot, and these same persons are supposed to be the guilty parties.  Their names are Oscar Jackson and ___ Martin.  I understand they are a terror to the community.  I could not of course discover their hiding place.  In fact I was informed that Jackson had since been recognized in Mobile.

From this point commenced an aspect of the Country and its social condition which I can hardly describe.  The crops are almost worthless and the most aboriginal form of government exists.  Many must starve unless assistance be received, and at many points a military force should be stationed, to teach the lawless submission.

I encamped at Bassetts Creek some 12 or 15 miles below St. Stephens.

On Monday reached St. Stephens at 10 O'clk, A.M.  I here met Capt. Smith with six men of the 21st Mo. Vols.  appointed to administer the oath.  From Capt. S I received much valuable information.  I saw however myself much of the people and held a long interview with a Mr. Houston of this place the only Union man and prominent man throughout this section

Transcription Notes:
21st Missouri Volunteers mentioned in previous pages.