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W. 536- O.A.C. 1866.

Bureau RF and AL
Office A.A. Insp. Gen
Augusta Ga Oct 21"/66

C303 R.F. & A.L. Vol 8 1866
Walbridge, Geo. W.
Capt and A.A.I.G.

[[stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamp]] 

Makes report of investigation upon the condition of the freedpeople, in Troup. Heard. and adjoining Counties, referred to in the accompanying letter of Rev. M Caldwell, dated La Grange Ga. Sept 3d" 1866 and and finds that the outrages committed upon the freedmen are not exaggerated, and gives the names of the parties murdered, and the dates of the outrages, also reports that 17 murders, in all have been reported this last season, in the county of Heard, also reports that the case of the freedman referred to in Mr Caldwells letter, being driven off without pay, has been settled, and the negro has returned to gather his share of the crop, the employer and employee showing a disposition to fulfil the terms of Contract they had entered into, further reports that the Assertion of the Rev Mr Caldwell, that Blunt C Ferrell Esq Agent of Troup Co is a pro slavery man & secessionist and not disposed to deal fairly with the freedmen, is not sustained, it appearing upon investigation, that, the Agent is a strong Union Man, and highly respected by both black & white, for his fair dealings and impartial decisions, and recommends that the guilty parties who have committed these outrages be arrested and placed in military confinement until the evidence of the negroes can be obtained, as the freedmen are unwilling to give their testimony while these murderers are at large, fearful their lives and property will be forfeited.