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

and the freedmen deprived of their homes and just earnings-

I have been compelled to make this lengthy report from the fact, that within the last few weeks I have noted a growing  disposition on the part of citizens in different sections of this state to rather Encourage this lawlessness, and it does not appear to be among the ignorant and uneducated, and although the more intelligent are not as a general thing immediately connected with it, still their passiveness and their inimical expressions tend to encourage those engaged. I heard an intelligent gentleman at Griffin and a lawyer of much note (Col Peebles) make this remark pubicly - "That General order no 44 issued by Lieut Genl Grant, was unconstitutional, could not be executed, and that he should meet and contest any arrest made under it, and that he was assured that such order did not meet the approval of the Pres of the U S & he did not think it was their duty to obey it." such expressions only encourage evil disposed persons to act and I have deemed it my duty to be thus specific in my report, that steps may be taken to correct the evils to which I have referred to once before they increase to a greater magnitude

Very respectfully
Your obdt servt
Geo. R. Walbridge
Capt & A A  Insp General

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