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told the freedmen as an evidence that they wer doing wrong I had with me a gard sent by Capt Wilder to arrest any of them I saw cutting green wood, but that if they would then desist I would not arrest any of them  They promised to do so but did not comply. I reported the fact again to Capt W  he gave me a gard and requested me to arrest them and he would punish them I did so but he took the wood from them and exacted from them the promise that they would not do so again, in three days after I found some of the same men still cutting down the timber  I reported the fact to Capt W but could get no decided answer from him or the evil it seems cant be stoped. I have applied to Col Brown with equally as little satisfaction, Now Sir I apply to you again feeling confident you have not received my previous communications and that I did not meet with your approval  I do hope Genl that I may at least solicit a reply and if in your reply you sustain Capt W's action in the matter then I say let timber country and all go for there is certainy no justice in such action on the part of the Govm't or the bureau  I have been pardoned and I do not see why my property should be taken from me and others left to them.

I am sir, with high Respct Yours &c Wm Smith

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-09-11 13:29:37 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-09-11 16:41:52