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Office Superintendent R. H. & A. L.
1 Batesville Ark. Dec 10,, 1866.

Major James T. Watson
Genl. Supt R F & A. L.
Jacksonport, Arks.

Major,

I have the honor to report that after frequent failures to comply with orders hereafter issued, Albert Shell appeared ab this office on Saturday, December 8th, 1866. The complaint against him, was made by Frank Shell, a Freedman on a promissory note given for labor done by the freedman.  After a full hearing, I gave judgement against Albert Shell for Seventy five ($75.00) dollars, which he immediately swore he would not pay.  He coupled his refusal to pay with the most abusive, contemptuous and denunciatory language of the Federal Government and her laws and officers, and finally closed with the declaration that he bid defiance to the whole Government and would not submit. He is a resident of Izard Co. and a man of considerable wealth and influence, and has simply in my opinion laid down the programe upon which the entire future action in regard to this Bureau is to be based. I am clearly of the opinion that these men have concluded in future 

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