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266 July 5th Sir Your Communication of 28th [[strikethrough]] inst [[/strikethrough]] ulto has been recd and I am directed by the Ass't Com'r to say in reply, that a freedperson can have no choice as to the mode of punishment, where a decision has been rendered in accordance with the laws of the State. In all criminal cases of the nature to which you have referred they must be brought before the Civil Authorities and abide by the punishment that may there be meted out to them. The Asst Com'r regrets that it is not within his power to furnish the Stationary and Stamps as requested by you since there is no appropriation allowed the Bureau for such purposes Respectfully Your Obt Servt Theo F. Forbes Lt & AAAG Joel Mizles Esqr Agt Bureau &c Perry Houston Co