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Lewis who had been confined in default of bail (case of Lewis and Jones which caused the late disturbance at Yorktown) and went up to do it, but Lewis had escaped.

Col S. people say there is no safety in the laws of the state; are their own protection; leading men say, 'Be quiet and law abiding until aggrieved, and have cause to take the law into your own hands'; this they will do; are all armed, but resolved to do nothing wrong.  Some say 1000 equipped men could be raised in two hours notice.

With them, I feel surrounded by a wall of fire from the rebels, and without them would feel in danger.

I believe all are anxious to work - I employ many, all work very well.  This is a hard time for the freedmen; it is between seasons; after oysters and before the crops.

I met a delegation of nine leading and intelligent colored men of this county.  The following is the substance of their statement.

"The freedmen are united and peaceful - need only common justice - have no hard feeling - there is no trouble.  So long as rebels are held in check, they do all right; when let loose, will do as they please.  We have not a particle of confidence in their wish to do justice to us.  When Bureau and Military go, the