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| Barker B. B. Prest Board Police Monroe Co.  72
See Endorsement 76 | Endorsement on extract of letter from B. B. Barker June 11. 1867 relative to Vagrant & Orphan colored children asking whether Govt furnishes a Hospital or Asylum for them
B. 14-F.B.D.C.-1867

Bureau R.F. and A.L. Office Sub Asst Commr.
District of Columbus. Columbus Miss July 22/67

Respectfully forwarded to Major A. W. Preston A.A.A. Genl Bu R.F. and A.L. for information & instruction in the premises
Geo. S. Smith
Capt V.R.C. Bvt Major
Sub Asst Commissioner. |

| Gillem Maj Genl A. C.
by Gay Bt Lt Col E. Capt 34 U.S. Inft Comdg Post Columbus.  73 | Continuation of endorsement No 67. relative to the murder of Dr Price in Oktibeha Co during 1863 for unflinching Loyalty.
G.-38-F.B.D.C.-1867.

Columbus Miss July 20. 1867.
Respectfully returned to Maj Smith with accompanying report of Lt Sprague with the information that the prisoner Jas E. Miller is now in jail at Columbus Miss subject to his action.
(signed) E. Gay
Capt 34. U.S. Inft
Bvt Lt Col, Comdg Post.

Office Sub Asst Commr Bu R.F. and A.L.
Sub Dist Columbus, Columbus Miss July 24. 1867

Respectfully forwarded to Maj A. W. Preston A.A.A. Genl Bu R F. and A.L. with the information that Dr Thomas Price a loyal citizen of the United states, was seized in 1863 by a band of marauders under the leadership of one J. P. Montgomery  The charges upon which the seizure was made were that he refused to report at Columbus Miss for rebel military duty and also that he had stolen a horse belonging to one Meachem a rebel conscript officer, the facts of which were that Meachem agreed to pay Dr Price for a horse but afterwards claimed that a debt held against his brother in law was a full satisfaction for the value of the horse, which Dr Price would not consent to and took the horse from Meachems premises. After the seizure of Dr Price at the house of one Nelson where he had secreted himself to avoid Military duty, he was conveyed to the Marauders Camp - at this place it was proposed to have a secret trial, each person taking an oath of secrecy not to divulge anything that transpired. Howell Peeden, H. M. Redue, G Lyon refusing to take the oath withdrew. What transpired in the meeting I cannot state, but it was announced after it broke out that they had determined to convey him to Columbus Miss. on horseback bound hand & foot, which they put in execution by starting that night. Montgomery their leader and his Lieutenant Wm H. Ellis went several miles with the party and then returned. About twelve o'clock that night Dr Price was shot in a very dark place. The wounds were produced by buck shot, taking effect from the back under the shoulder & penetrating in the chest. His Coat was powder burned and the appearance of the wounds showed that the muzzle of the guns were very close. The theory of this tragedy is, that Dr Price was ordered upon his knees and deliberately shot. It is supposed that these facts may fully appear by putting parties, resident of the County, under oath.

The officer making the arrest took a bond in the sum of $5000. for the appearance of Montgomery and I took a bond for the same amount for the appearance of James S. Miller, which bonds are herewith enclosed
Geo. S. Smith
Capt V.R.C. Bvt Major
Sub Asst Commissioner. |

| 74 | N. 12.=F.B.D.C.=1867.
Office Sub Asst Commr Bu R.F and A.L.
Columbus Miss July 25. 1867.

Respectfully forwarded to Wm H Ross Agt Bu R.F. and A.L.
District of Macon with the statement that the within comes under his jurisdiction
Geo. S. Smith
Capt V.R.C. Bt Maj
Sub Asst Commr. |