Viewing page 271 of 289

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Sandersville 4th July 1866
Genl Tillson

In a letter which I wrote to Surgeon Lawton, U.S.A. on yesterday, I requested him to communicate to you, what on reflection, I had bit into to you myself- there are hundreds of Freedmen in towne to day, and many of them have consulted me abt serving as Agent of the Bureau- and it is said that they will hold an Election for the office- I have told them that you had the appointing power & I doubted whether any expression of a preference by them would influence your actions. But I have promised them, that if possible I would prevent the appointment of one whom they dread & whose appointment would be a grievous worry to them- I refer to Green Brantly one of the Judges of the Inf Court- the freedmen believe that he has solicited the office. I know nothing about it.  But I warn you that if you have any regard for the freedmen- or any respect for his rights you will not appoint Him. No let the wolf tend the sheep or the Hawk minds the dove if you will; but never deliver one the poor negro to His tender mercies. As I shall not again trespass upon your time and patience- for I know your time is greatly occupied, Let me say to you that I am no aspirant for office- never sought office but once- unless the agency for supplying the indigent sick with med be considered an office. As the Test oath is an insurmountable barrier