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

their lives would be in danger. In consequence of which Mr J. L. Harman, a F.B. requested a military guard of Capt Hill A.C.F.B.

On my arrival in Butler, I found everything quiet and in my conversation with several of the prominent citizens, they all declared they had no intention of hindering those who wanted to go voluntarily, Mr W. L. Hall, the Sheriff denied having said the above mentioned words, with the meaning that the lives of Mr Allen & Lidy were in danger, but to this effect, that they should leave as soon as possible, as it would be useless to stay longer thinking to hire freedmen.

Mr Lidy was at Butler when I arrived there, but was waiting for Mr Allen, and did not try to hire any freedmen during my stay.

Those, whose names were on his contracts, have been questioned by myself in the presence of Sergt Dolan, Co. F. and Corpl. Hale Co. H. 15th US Inft, if they were desirous of leaving, they all declared that it was their wish to leave, and that they signed the contract voluntarily, with the exception of one who said he had been pursuaded by the Agent and other freedmen, but did not want to go, as he was under