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| Preston A. W. A.A.A. Genl  55. | Endorsement on Comn. of Lieut. Wm Lynn Tidball Sub Asst Comr B.R.F&A.L. Charlottesville, Va- requesting information in regard to Scott Mottly a freedman, charged with murder & confined in jail at Columbus- Miss- referred to Sub Asst. Comr B.R.F.&A.L. Columbus Miss, by order of Brvt. Major Genl. Gillem, Asst Comr. B.R.F.&A.L. Miss.-
G-23-F.B.D.C. 1867

Bureau Refugees Freedmen & A.L.
Office of Sub Asst. Comr.
Columbus Miss. May 22nd 67

Respectfully returned to Major A. W. Preston A.A.A. Genl Bureau R.F.&A.L. for Mississippi, with the information that some fifteen months since, Scott Mottly or Alexander and has been and is now confined in jail at Columbus Miss. charged with the murder of one Moses Williams a freedmen. An indictment for murder has been preferred against him, but his trial upon application of himself by Counsel has been twice postponed. The evidence against him is circumstantial, unless confessions said to have been made when intoxicated and under duress are admitted.  Mr. Mottly- Scotts former master, regards him as innocent, has taken a deep interest in his case & at a cost of $500.00 has employed the ablest Counsel to defend him.

At last Term of Circuit Court-February & March- an order was made admitting Scott to bail in the sum of one thousand dollars.

Mr. Mottly would become his bail were he not fearful that evil disposed persons might induce Scott to abscond. It is believed that Mr M. is willing to assume half the responsibility any way. The letters referred to are genuine and were written by one Reed at Scotts request
Geo. S. Smith
Bt. Major Sub Asst Comr |

| Preston A. W, A.A.A. Genl  56  | Endorsement on Communication of H. W. Stepall Smithville Miss_ Complaining that Flora a mulatto girl is unjustly kept from possession of her real Estate Bequeath by will of W. P. Standifer, her reputed father, & referred by order of Bt. Maj. Gen. A. C. Gillem to Sub. Asst Comr D.C. for investigation & report
G-28-F.B.D.C. 1867

Bureau Refugees Freedmen & A.L.
Office Sub Asst Comr
Columbus Miss June 3rd '67

Respectfully returned to Major A. W. Preston A.A.A. Genl with information that the will of W. P. Standifer was admitted to Probate before the judge of that Court for Itawamba County on the 28th of September 1863.

Under statutes of Miss, before the war no slave could take or hold real estate_ & the clause in the will bequeathing land to Flora was regarded as void at the time it was admitted to Probate. Since emancipation no effort has been made by Flora to assert her right in a legal way.- The Courts are now open to her claim to the Legacy  There is no difficulty about doing this & able counsel can be secured in Columbus Miss |