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Convention, On making his appearance at the hall [[?]] welcomed him. a large crowd gathered evidently determined upon mischief. He attempted to speak was hissed. the chimney was even thrown house beaten with boards large stones thrown against & upon the house & threats made that compelled the Judge to flee to save his life. He also had an engagement to speak at Dallas the following day but dared not on account of the pressure & demonstrations made. There was men that even advocated & told the people that they ought to resist this negro suffrage question "etcetera".

Last week the County Assessor & Collector in attempting to prosecute his labors about Dallas was forced to abandon the field, & return to his home, so great was the storm & violence exhibited against him, & it is a melancholy fact that these things are growing worse daily. The people laugh at the impotency of the Civil Authorities. There is no law.

With 12 Infantry or 6 Cavalry men I can preserve perfect order in my district, & I would most earnestly ask that troops be ordered here for the effect their presence produces if nothing else for at no time since the close of the War have their presence been so badly needed. But a small proportion of the Freedpeople have been settled with & they will not receive their dues unless the whites are compelled to settle

I am Lieut
Very Respectfully
Your Obdt Svt
W H Horton
SAC 40" Sub Dist Texas