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this gun with him. Jefferson returned on the 20th inst about 4 p.m. without his witnesses or gun. I gave him to understand, I would hold him responsible until the gun was brought to my office as directed, & gave him permission to go to a house outside Town & return in the morning. On the 21st inst he informed me that he had witnesses to prove the bad character of the Freedman Mingo Blankship. The witnesses testified and instead of doing so, the witnesses gave said Freedman a good character. Asked Jefferson if he had any further witnesses in his case. He ans'd - no. Having a number of cases on hand, the parties waiting outside, I directed the Corp'l of the guard to keep Jefferson in Custody until I gave further instructions. He (Jefferson) had hardly left my office when the Corp'l came in with a written protest, (See copy of Enclosed) against his being arrested &c and the ex parte trial, stating as you may see that he had not the privilege of any defense. The above are the facts in the case - 

Upon deliberation I deemed it best to bind him over, to appear at Sp'g Term Dist Court for this Co. 1868. Taking two sureties for same. Enclosed I send you Copy of said Bond. I had no stamps & the only Notary Public in this part, being one of the sureties I could not do any better.

Now this is only the first of six (6) similar cases already on my hands some of others only a few days old & the parties yet showing the marks, besides been threatened with death +c, for reporting their cases to me.

Would therefore respectfully & earnestly request that I be instructed at once what to do in the matter. There being no Court in Session at present, I am satisfied that the Freedmen & their Families will suffer if some steps cannot be taken in their behalf.

It is also reported to me that it is the intention of the Civil Authorities to prohibit Freedmen from disposing of their Cotton & Corn until all demands of Planters are satisfied, and to seize it all if necessary to indemnify the latter. As yet no case has been reported to me, and I intend to stop it until all claims are adjudicated by me, until further instructions from Hd Qrs. Would ask that you send all communications via Waco and request Commss Offr at that Dst Co forward @ once by courier.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
James F. Hill
1st Lieut 6th US Cavalry S.A.O.

To J. P Richardson
1st Lt 26th US Inf
A.A.A.G.