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going on in this vicinity.

The notorious robber and murderer, Buck Taylor, visited Clinton yesterday, in company of some other outlaws, knowing well enough, that nobody could or would arrest them. He is now residing about 3 miles from here. I happened to enter a store where he was in, and had to swallow some very insulting remarks of him and his gang, without being able to get any satisfaction. No sheriff, nor anybody else, would attempt to arrest him. 

These highwaymen are the reason, for which I am not able to fullfill my duties outside of Clinton.

It is my honest opinion, that the freedpeople will be in a dreadfull position if no troops be sent to this post. I am perfectly satisfied, that a great number of men, who have have treated the freedpeople well so far, have only done so, from fear of punishment, not from honesty. 

I shall stay at my post, regardless of danger for my life, as long I see my presence of any avail - but I think, that will be not very long, unless troops be sent.

In my opinion, the majority of the civil officers, are disposed to do the freed people justice, but they need troops for their own safety and for their assistance. Other officers, who are not disposed to do right, can only be compelled to do their duty without.