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774

Sept 22d.

Sir

Your communication of 12th inst has been received.  I am quite ready to believe that the Civil Authorities of your county are prepared and willing to act in all cases properly brought before them, and for the purpose of more thoroughly testing this matter, in future freedmen bringing complaints to this office from Columbia County, will be referred to the Civil Courts of that county for redress.  May I ask if they appeal to you, that you will explain to them the necessary steps to be taken to secure a hearing before the courts, or other disposal of their cases in accordance with the laws of this State. - I beg to suggest that, in many instances these claims of the freed-people might be settled by reference to disinterested parties, and thus prevent much suffering to a certain class, too poor to await the adjustment of their claims before the Civil Courts.  Should this meet with your Approval, may I request that you will suggest this mode of redress to persons thus situated.

I should be glad if you would consent to act as