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Office Sub Asst Comsr
Bureau R.F. & A.L. Cotton Gin Tex
Dec 21. 1867

Sir:
I have the honor to forward the following communication for the information of the Asst Commr.

There is hardly a day that complaints are not made to me by Freedmen that their lives have been threatened. I am at a loss what to do. The (F.M.) say they cannot get Justice at the Civil Courts, and complain to me therefore. I can do nothing in those cases without leaving myself liable per present Orders, the power being vested in the Civil authorities. 

To that I have no objection whatsoever, and earnestly hope the Civil Laws to be in operation in this State soon, but cannot see myself how the Freedmen will receive Justice, at lease in this section of the State, the Judicial positions being filled by Gentlemen antagonistic to them.

Since I have been in this county I have met two (2) white Citizens who I think are Loyal. Have been informed that there are some 12 or 1300 Voters (White & Black) in this Co. I cannot express myself sufficiently to give you an idea of the antipathy existing among the Citizens of this section of Country, against Freedmen and Yankees as Soldiers are called, though in conversation they endeavor to create an impression that they are the most Loyal and Law abiding Citizens in the country, but before out of sight, commence threatening and abusing Freedmen and daring them to make a complaint to the Bureau Agent.