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519

August 14th

Sir
Your Communication of 3rd inst has been recd and in reply the Asst Com'r directs me to say that, where the punishment of certain crimes by whipping is inflicted in all cases alike, without reference to color, the Bureau has not the authority to interfere. But if the Civil Authorities Sentence a freedperson to be whipped, for the commission of a certain crime and do not cause the same punishment to be inflicted upon a white person, having committed the same or similar offence, then is it not only the right but the duty of the Bureau to interfere for the proper protection of the freedpeople in securing to them equal rights under the laws of the land with the white man. - In relation to the furnishing of rations for Elbert County you are respectfully referred to G W Garrett Esqr Agent at Elberton who has recd full instructions concerning the matter.

Respectfully
Your Obt Servant
T. F. Forbes
Lt & AAAG

W M Haslett Esqr
Agent &c. Elberton Ga