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Clarksville - Texas.
Aug 14th 1867

My dear Kirkman

You are undoubtedly in receipt of my official communications & know what I have done.  I find it almost impossible to do more.  The men I arrested I am positive are as bad men as live but to prove their crimes is exceedingly difficult, & the trouble lies here.  All the witnesses are either members of the same lawless band, or men afraid of their lives should they divulge what they know.  I have tried threats, promises & entreaties & all to no purpose. Some persons have made statements to me under my promise of secrecy, but these cases are rare.  This shows the state of terrorism into which this band of desperadoes have plunged this county.  I am happy to be able to say that there is a change of public sentiment progressing, slowly, but surely, perhaps merely the natural reaction from one extreme to the other, but be this as it may, the "Protection League" is growing daily more influential, & powerful, & will soon, (I think already) be able to preserve the peace.  So soon as this time arrives there will be no further difficulty, - either in putting down bad