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use of to secure the rights and protect the persons of the freedpeople of that County. You will further inform Dr Slaughter that in consequence of the cruelty practiced upon the freedmen on his plantation, and their insecurity against further
outrage, that none of them now working upon his plantation will be compelled to remain upon the place unless they shall so elect. And that he must pay the 4 freedmen together with their families full, fair wages for their services up to the time they were ordered off the plantation by him, Should Dr Slaughter refuse to obey this order you will arrest and confine him in jail reporting your action promptly to these Hd Qrs. You are further directed
to read this letter to the Civil Officers, and prominent Citizens of the County and inform them
that unless the outrages upon the freedmen of their County, which have given it such an
unenviable notoriety, shall cease and the civil law be so administered and enforced as to give protection and secure Justice to all citizens irrespective of color or condition, then application will be made for Authority to place the County under Martial law and govern it accordingly

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