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Office Sub Asst. Com. 
B. "R."F" & A Lands
Matagorda, Texas
Oct 20th, 1866

Bvt. Lt. Col. W. A. Ellis
A, A. A. Genl

Col 
I have the honor to report a case that has just been tried in the District Court of Matagorda County. I have retained the accused as a witness, in the investigation I am about to make in her case. She was indicted before the Grand Jury and tried for "attempting to kill one Mr. Shortridge" the Jury could not agree being nearly evenly divided, they have decided to commit her until the next term of Court, six months hence, the Deputy Sheriff or the acting deputy told me the Jury were mostly drunk, and that he reported them to the Grand Jury. Their proceedings in the Jury Room I am told was disgraceful under the circumstances. I have retained her and shall keep her until I receive instructions how to proceed. I will give now her sworn Statement as follows.

over

Transcription Notes:
The name of this agency is BUREAU OF REFUGEES, FREEDMEN AND ABANDONED LANDS. It's abbreviated a number of ways. in this letter it's B.R.F. & A.Lands