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to the government. The registrar informed me that many persons who were entitled to register did not do so, saying that they should vote anyway, and I have no doubt but this is the intention.  This Registration Distc must be put under martial law, and troops sent into every County.  There should be at the least two companies of infantry, in addition to the cavalry force, stationed in the Distc.  Nearly every precinct will need soldiers, on the day of election, or the negroes will inevitably either not vote at all, or vote with the rebels. I write this strongly that you may understand how the cause stands here. With proper protection the Union men will carry everything, without it loose everything. You can not compare this section, with Southern Texas. It is more sparsely settled, there has been no contact with officers of the gov't, it was always lawless, & certainly has not improved.  The gov't must act with rigor, strike hard quick blows, or the cause is lost, & such men as Judge Latimer, Col Garland, Mr Armstrong & others sacrificed.

I am sorry to report that Baker is still at large, the citizens harbor him.  Nothing but a large reward can catch him.  While on the subject, I would recommend that "Col" Browns conduct during the affray at Boston, & at the Sulphur, be investigated.  From what I have heard from Capt Kirkman & others - eyewitnesses, I feel convinced that his part in the affair was not honorable himself & it will even bear the harsh term cowardly.