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War Department.
Adjutant General's Office,
Washington, April 9th, 1866

Major General A.H. Terry.
Comd'g Dept of Virginia
Richmond, Va.

Sir:
The Assistant Commissioner Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c., for the State of Georgia having inquired whether the Presidents recent proclamation removes martial law, and stated that the Department Commander does not feel authorized to arrest parties who have committed outrages on freed people or Union refugees, the Secretary of War, with the approval of the President directs me to inform you that the Presidents proclamation does not remove martial law or operate in any way upon the Freedmens Bureau in the exercise of its legitimate Jurisdiction.

It is not expedient however to resort to military tribunals in any case where Justice can be attained through the medium of civil authority.

Please acknowledge receipt

I am Sir
Very Respectfully

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