This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
T 252. R.F.&A.L. Vol 10 '67. Bureau R.F. &A.L. Sub Dist of Memphis Memphis Tenn. July 19" 1867 Respectfully returned. I visited Trenton on the 17th inst. and investigated similar charges preferred by S. W. Hatchett and Dr. W. H. Stilwell. I conversed with several of the most prominent union men in Trenton, Mr. Hatchett included, and they every one of them informed me that Mr. Blakemore was an honest man, and one that evidently intended to do right. Mr. Hatchett and others gave it as their opinion, that Mr. Blakemore was the best man for the position in Trenton. They, however, claim that Mr. Blakemore allows himself to be influenced in the discharge of his his duties by the rebel sentiment of that community. This may have been true to a limited extent, but not to that extent claimed by them. Mr. Blakemore does not posess the energy, independence and moral courage which an Agent should posess to discharge his duties successfully in a community like that in which he is stationed. Yet I do not believe that he has wilfully neglected his duties.- Mr. B does not take an active interest in politics and therein I believe, lies his chief offense in the eyes of the parties referred to. I had a long conversation with Mr. B. and informed him in very plain terms what would be expected of him, and I have reason to believe that he will discharge his duties more fearlessly in the future. Dr. W. H. Stilwell is a practicing physician at Humbolt and a person of fair ability. He takes great interest in politics and his views are of the utter radical stamp. He is very impulsive, bitter, and outspoken in his hatred of the rebels in the community in which he lives, and has consequently made many very bitter enemies in that Co. I do not believe that he would make an efficient Agent, nor do I believe that Humbolt is a good point for an Agent having in charge the counties of Obion, Dyer & Gibson to be stioned [[stationed]] at Fred. S. Palmer Lieut. Col. & Sub-Asst. Comr [[strikethrough]] note [[/strikethrough]] ER. E.B. 19 } Bureau RF&A Lands State of Tennessee Office Asst Commissioner Nashville July 22/67 Respectfully returned to Maj Genl O. O. Howard Commissioner with attention invited Col Palmers endorsement hereon W. P. Carlin Bv Maj Genl USA Asst Commissioner E.B. 291 }