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Austin June 20 1867
Gen'l
I am well acquainted with many of the signers of the forgoing petition and know them to be loyal & good men, and their representations entitled to credit. Bell County is the county in which the two Lindleys, who were under a promise of probation from the Governor, JW Throckmorton, were murdered in cold blood whilst lying in jail, by a mob of citizens, and the same county in which Mr Geo White, Cty Clk under Gov Hamilton, was openly murdered in the streets of Belton by a mob, no one of which mob has been in any way punished or proceeded against by the so called civil authorities; and the same county from which the Chief Justice appointed by Gov Hamilton, Mr Christian, and also a Lieut of my old regiment, Grant Elgin, were expelled by a mob simply because of their loyalty. The county badly needs a little reconstruction, and the punishment of those criminals who go unwhipt of justice. These criminals will never be punished unless it be by means of a Military Commission.
Very Respectfully
JL Haynes

Brig Gen Oakes
Comdg
Head Qrs Austin Texas