Viewing page 61 of 236

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Office Agt. Bureau of R.F. & A.L.
Lawrenceville Ga. April 2nd 1867.

[[stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamp]]

Col. C. C. Sibley Ast. Comr.
Macon Ga.

Dr. Sir.
I propose to make a few confidential remarks, in which I think I can explain to you the difficulty that I would be compeled to get into. The Court has appointed one of their body (viz) John Mills Esq. to distribute the corn, he contends that very few of the freed people are entitled to receive any of this corn while I contend that there are as many or more of this class of persons intitled than the other class. When a freedman comes forward to take the Oath, and Mills objects, the case is referred to me, and my decision is to be final. Now if I decide in favor of the Freedman (which I shall do in many cases) than I come in conflict with the civil authorities.

If it is to be decided by me who among the freed people are entitled to this distribution, why are they required to take the oath?

Why not let me have a portion of the corn, and if necessary I am willing to swear that I will distribute it according to the request of the donors. There are some old worn out freed people & orphan children

Transcription Notes:
There is a very faint stamp in the upper left-hand corner of the page, unable to make out but there are words and a building done