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8 83

Alabama, and commend it in connection with Governor Parsons proclamation. I have no doubt that I could have induced the Governor of Mississippi to take the same action, had I thought it the policy of the Government. I was under the impression that General Swayne had made a mistake, and that he would defeat the very objects for which the Bureau was laboring. I thought the citizens were not to be trusted with Freedmen affairs, till they had given some strong evidence that they were prepared to accept the great change in the condition of the Freedmen. I had not the least idea that such a limited control as General Swayne now has would accomplish what the authorities desired.

The protection he gives Freedmen under his order is so limited and will fall as far short of what the Freedmen have a right to expect, that I did not think of bringing the matter before the Government.  Such orders and instructions from the President convince me that I was mistaken, and that the trial is to be made.