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It will virtually restore the slave power. It is in fact restored already in many places for the whip & the bludgeon, cursing & abuse are resorted to in many places just as in the days of slavery. There will be no safety, for freedmen; for Union men, for missionaries, for teachers of colored people if Mr Johnson succeeds in putting the old rulers of the South with power again. I felt a year ago extremely anxious to see my unfortunate section rehabilitated, but with the men in power, I am confident it would be the death blow to our civil & religious liberties - our missionary operations have thus far been wonderfully successfull, but I am confident that if the South is restored with her old rulers in power they will destroy every vestige of our work throughout this section. Is there any way in which you can interfere? Any authority to put a stop to these outrages committed on freedmen. Any way to protect them against brutality, oppression, & fraud? I fear it can only be accomplished by the presence of troops & I am certain President Johnson will not be in favor of garrisoning any of our towns, because he has proclaimed the country at peace & would have the people of the North believe every thing is looking satisfactorily.

I submit this statement to you hoping that you will be able to suggest some remedy

Respectfully
(signed) J. H. Caldwell

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