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Houston April 10. 1867

Dear Judge

I am greatly obliged to you for calling my attention to certain reports made Genl Griffin of indignity offered him by remark made by me on the bench upon the appointment of Mr Hunsaker as Atto for freed people on trial for crime in the court over which I preside. I suggested to Genl Griffin that these unfortunate people required council not only to defend them but prepare their cases one who would feel & take an interest them. Some days after Mr Hunsaker sent me a note that he was appointed I directed the Clerk to make the entry remarking at the same time that I had recommended Genl Griffin to do so. I did not recommend Mr Hunsaker or any other to Genl Griffin  I did not care who was appointed so he had ability to do Justice to the freedman. He that says my bearing or manner was contemptuous is equally an unmitigated false-hood, every every member of the bar every officer of the Court every Juror present will substantiate my statement. I had respect for Genl Griffin