Viewing page 75 of 89

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Office Bur Ast Comr Bureau A. F and AL
Austin, Texas 21st May 1867

Leut. J.T. Kritman
A.A.A. Genl Bu RF and AL - Texas - 
Sir:
Upon the enclosed communication of J. M. Donaldson. I have the honor to report; that said Donaldson is a freedman well known in this place, as a partially insane man, who pretends to practice medicine by means of charms and sorcery - He Entered into a Contract to raise a crop on a plantation near Austin Feb last, but could not be induced to work. He did make a beginning and performed a little labor, for which he was paid seven dollars, the amount assessed by three referees appointed, one by Donaldson, one by his Employer and the others by the Agent being a freedman. He also behaved so badly toward his wife, that she was obliged to leave him. 
At one time he beat her with a mule whip and at another made an attempt upon her life by shooting after with a pistol, because she would not give him a peck of potatoes that she had procured for seed to plant a garden. For this shooting he was tried in the district Court at Austin, and sentenced to a term of imprisonment. His communication was probably written in jail. 
For further information I append a copy of Report by Capt. Byron Porte late S. A. Comr. at this Place upon a former communication of said Donaldson
Very respectfully 
Your obedient Servant
James Oakes
Col. 6th Cav Bvt Brig Genl USA S.A. Comr