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It can be proven, if it fails to appear in this evidence, beyond a shadow of a doubt that he stole the mule in question. He is under bonds for stealing another animal.  The bond is of no account.  I am credibly informed there have about a half dozen horses & mules been stolen from town, in the past few weeks, chiefly from colored people & suspicion, which amounts almost to evidence points to this man & a confederate.

He has a bad character - no visible means of support, does nothing, goes well dressed, always has a good horse to ride, & it is stated plenty of money.  There is a gang of thieves operating in this section, & the general opinion is that white men are at the head of it & Lewis is one of their tools.  By holding him it is thought a clue may be gotten to enable the authorities to break them up.  There is not a respectable man of any means black or white, in the town who will go upon his bond in any sum - notwithstanding the slight-recorded evidence against him.  His own father, before this arrest