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To Genl. O.O. Howard, Commissioner.

Sir, In view of the fact that it has been ordered that the Freedman's Bureau shall be removed from this state, and believing that if such action be carried out, we cannot live in the state, we therefore beg leave to give the reasons why we think this true.

There is a terrible state of affairs, existing in a majority of the back counties of the state, outside of the great - cities, no colored man, if it be known that he took up arms in deffense of his country is safe, in life, or property.  Colored children are maltreated upon every occasion, in their way to and from school and buildings used for such purposes are known to have been destroyed, a band of despradoes, styling themselves, "Regulators" are banded together in many parts of the State, for the avowed purpose of preventing Colored men from living, and earning an honest living.  In Owensboro so late as 30th Nov 1867, a notice was posted warning all the white citizens that if they did not compell colored tenants to remove from their premises, in 15 days at the farthest, their property should be burned over their heads (see notice enclosed)

It is notorious that colored men can obtain no protection or justice in the State courts, and we expect no protection from the Legislature of this Commonwealth, for we are already assured that they will accord no privileges, or protection, beyond what now exists, and that is based upon