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Wilmington N Carolina
March 28th 1868

Hon Chas Sumner

Dr Sir
I have the honor (in the name of the signers of the within paper who are all colored) to request that you will either see Gen Howard in person, or place upon the paper such and endorsement as you deem necessary under the circumstances.  I concur with the Petitioners that Gen Rutherford is their sole protection, & he certainly has refused to honor treason-- now has he failed to make Loyalty honorable.  We hope as true unionist & loyal men to the constitution as it is that Rebels will not be heard in preference to us.  I further concur that the Generals only offence is that he has steadily refused