Viewing page 51 of 238

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

came to Drummondtown and told me about it.  I then informed you about it by Telegraph.  And troops were sent over from Fort-Monroe, and did not get in until Monday noon following.  The whites seeing the troops laying out in the creek left, and could not be found up to Tuesday the 24th inst.  This is an organized band consisting of about three hundred (300) men.  And their intention is to drive all the colored people out of that county, and those who were in the United States army, they say shall not remain on the shore.  If those men are arrested and tried by the Civil Authorities, They will not be convicted as Mr. Dix and Mr. Rew J.P. stated to me that in their opinion a colored man would not get justice done him where a white man was one of the party, as there is a strong prejudice against the Freedmen, and particularly those who served in the army of the United States.  The most of those whose names appear upon the warrant dare not return to their homes as this band say that they will kill them all.  Mr. Lilliston Justice of peace objects to a Military officer being present to the trial between whites & colored, he states that some of the courts have refused to set because the Military were present and he thinks they did right.  I have done all I can do to arrest them, and I respectfully submit this report for your consideration and action

I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Your Obdt Srvt,
Geo. H. French
Brvt. Maj. and Asst. Supt.
Eastern Shore of Va.