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Office Sub-Assistant Commissioner,
Bureau R.,F. & A. L., STATE OF TEXAS.

Austin Texas, Sept. 27th, 1866

Bvt. Maj. Gen. J. B. Kiddoo
Asst Com Bureau R F and A L
Galveston Texas,
General,
I have the honor to inform you that there  are several bills pending in the legislature of Texas, and which will doubtless pass, which are intended to abridge the rights of the freedmen, and unless increased vigilance is exercised by Agents, much evil will result in consequence of their enforcement. Regarding such laws as unconstitutional and therefore null and void, I shall, unless ordered to the contrary, disregard them entirely and continue to administer equal justice in conformity with the acts of Congress creating and continuing in force this Bureau. I am in communication with union members of the Legislature, who keep me informed of all legislation unfriendly to the freedmen and whenever bills of the above mentioned character become laws I will promptly inform you.
I am General,  Respectfully your Obt. Servt,
O E Pratt
Lt. Col. and Sub Asst. Com.