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Columbus Nov. 5. 1866

To His Excellency 
The Governor of Texas:

Sir,
 
Enclosed permit me to transmit to you some communications in relation to the high handed measures of the Bureau Agent at Matagorda. The negro alluded to was placed on trial at the recent term of the district court for that county under indictment for assault with intent to kill and murder a white man. The jury composed of antagonistic elements (politically)failed to agree and were discharged. Since the adjournment of the Court, it seems that the Bureau Agent has, with force and arms, rescued the prisoner. I deem it my duty to communicate these facts to you, in order that you may take such steps as may seem to you advisable. It is creating a very unpleasant state of public sentiment to see the acts of the civil authorities revised and then authority trampled upon by an irresponsible agent of the Bureau sustained by the military. Hoping that these things may at no distant day find an end, 

I am very respectfully
Your obedient servant 

(signed) B. Shropshire
Judge of the 1st Judicial District.