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Cotton Gin Freestone County Tex July 5/67 

Lt Kirkman

Dear Sir

It appears the report was spread around Freestone & Limestone Counties that I wished the F.M. to Assemble at Cotton Gin as I had something to say to them concerning politics. Some of the strong secessionists  were there "to hear what the Bureau man would say." I told them I had not sent for them but as they had come to hear me I would say a few words. I dwelt at length on their duties to themselves & planters. let them see that their interests were identical, & told them that those people who offered their land or money were their Enemies & that many men some professing to be Yankees & Bureau men & not to believe any till they got a sign from me. by tomorrow my sign will be spread throughout the Counties & I will defy any one to get it; or make them vote without getting the sign. I dares not give it to you for fear this might get astray or opened. Any one authorized by you can get it from me. The best of the joke is I done it right under the noses of those who came to see what was said