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Bureau Ref F. & A. Lands
Off. Asst. Supt. Sub: Dist
Manchester Feby 9th 66.

H. S. Merrell
Lt & Supt Dist Henrico:

Lieut.
I have the honor to report that after examining the colored parties engaged in the affair that I believe them to be in a great measure blamable. They were well aware that they had no right to hunt on Mr Benson's land, and that when he ordered them to go away, they ought to have done so.

I have no doubt that many hard and needless words and threats were used by bothe parties, which party fired the first shot I cannot definitely say. Mr Benson and sons when questioned made similar statements, while the Freedmen contradicted each other though they claim that Mr Benson's sons shot at them, without provocation. Upon further examination, I find that Mr Benson does not bring any charge against Moses Coy. 

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-07-22 21:20:51