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Bureau of Refugees,
Freedmen & Aband Lands
Seguin, May 14th 1866.

Adjutant,

In explanation of my proceedings since 23rd ult I would respectfully state the following facts, and ask the Genl's attention thereto.

About 15th ult the Presidents proclamation arrived at my late Head Qtrs. In it it was stated that Texas was included therein, the same papers also asserted that the functions of the Bureau had ceased, or at least were so paralized as to be entirely ineffective, within a few days thereafter I was forced to make an arrest or acknowledge that I was a useless machine. My instincts, coupled with my judgement, told me that the Bureau could not so ignominiously expire. I took the risk, and caused the arrest to be made, knowing at the time that a contest would ensue that would test the strength of the Law on which the Bureau rested or was based. The contest and trial was over before I learned that the right of the writ of H. C was yet suspended. The case was tried on its merits, and decided in favour of the Bureau.

The case was finally decided on the 27th