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298

545.
Head qrs. Dist of Texas
5115. Bureau R.F. & A.L.
Austin, Texas. April 22, 1868.

Howard Maj General O. O.
Commissioner &c.
Washington D.C.
Telegram
542/553

General,
Stop pay of E. M. Harris, late Agent, to reimburse freedman whom it is represented he has defrauded.
F. D. Sewall
Bt. Brig. Genl.
Inspector General

Official
Bt. Brig Gen.
Inspector General


546.
Head qrs. Dist of Texas.
Bureau, R.F & A.L.
Austin, Texas. April 22, 1868.

Metzner A. A.
Sub, Asst. Com.
San Augustine, Texas.
494./633
L.R. M 184.

Sir,
Referring to your letter of the 11th. inst. I am directed by the Asst Commissioner to say that you will answer the Civil suit in person and show the Civil Officers the authority under which you acted. - Act of Congress passed July 16, 1866.
The Military protection guaranteed to Officers of the Bureau in the 3rd. Section of the above cited law, is hereby extended to you. The Civil Attorneys of the State of Texas will respect this letter and discontinue proceedings for any set done in your official capacity.
For any improper acts done under color of said official capacity, the same may be represented to this Head quarters and will receive attention and such orders as the case may demand.
You will represent at once the actions of the Civil authority in this case.
I am, Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J. P. Richardson
1 Lieut. 26. Inf.
A.A.A. Genl. 

299

547.
Head qrs. Dist. of Texas.
Bureau R.F & A.L.
Austin, Texas. April 22, 1868

Hightower L. B.
County Attorney,
Walker Co. Texas.
0/835
L.R. H. 174

Sir, -
I am directed by General Reynolds Asst. Commissioner, to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 16 inst. and to say in reply, that it was not intended to confer criminal jurisdiction upon Agents of the Bureau in any case.
Until Congress has made it the duty of the Agents to protect the freed people in all their rights, and should the Civil Courts of the state refuse them justice, or oppress them through a criminal prosecution wantonly. It will be the duty of the Agents to take such action as should protect them against injustice.
In conferring jurisdiction upon Bureau Agents concurrent with justices of the peace, they are not confined to administering the laws of the State, but under the laws of Congress will reside all cases where freedmen are concerned so as to secure their rights as justice and equity may require.
It is hoped that a full and hearty cooperation between Bureau Agents and Civil Officers of the State in carrying out Gen. Orders No 4 will result in giving general satisfaction.
I am, Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J. P. Richardson
1 Lieut. 26 Inf.
A.A.A. Genl.


548.
Head qrs. Dist of Texas.
Bureau R.F. & A.L.
Austin, Texas. April 22, 1868

Barrett Lieut.
Sub. Asst. Com.
Tyler, Texas.
494/575
Telegram
LR B 111.

General Order No 4 April 7" will be your guide.
(Signed) J. P. Richardson
A.A.A. Genl. 

Transcription Notes:
as of 2/26 only 1st page transcribed 2/27 - fully transcribed now