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alike to free discussion.

Advised them against taking the law into their own hands, and told them that by going armed to their meetings, and establishing an armed guard about them, they caused suspicion and dismay among the whites, which would have a tendency to lead to the very results that is was their interests to avoid, and might produce a riot 

- Advised them that it would be best here after, to avoid all chance of trouble, that they should advise the mayor or the City Marshal(as also myself) of their meetings, that I felt perfectly satisfied that the two officials named would use all their power to protect them in their rights of meeting &c. and that if they failed to do so, to report the fact to me and I would give them military assistance, and protection.

W. B. Pease
Bvt. Lt. Col. U.S.A.
Capt 17th U.S. If
S.A.C

(EB 56 - 57)

Recd Houston May 2, 1867.

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