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way to a Bureau Officer at Montgomery Ala. This man (Levi King) over took her, took her children away from her, & I presume by [[strikethrough]] threats [[/strikethrough]] threats awed her into silence. I presume he awed her into silence by threats because I know he is just the man to do a thing of that kind. The poor woman is now in Ala. She is a hard working woman. King bore malice against her & instigated a prosecution for adultery, taking advantage of negro ignorance of marital law. Fortunately, she was acquitted. 

The man's name is Levi King; his P.O. is Starrville, Smith Co, Texas. My engagements are such, that it is out of my power to go up there to see after the matter. Besides I would be at a loss to know how to proceed. These negros ought not only to be restored, but damages ought to be awarded to them; perhaps punishment meted out to offender. Under the present condition of the law the case in civil courts would be subjected to delays & defences; & justice in the end would be crippled if not defeated. Altogether it seems to me to be an occasion for the exercise of the enlarged powers recently confirmed by Congress.

The negros themselves would be witnesses sufficient if not intimated by King or others. I am aware         

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