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with a colored man not connected with the procession. He admits he went armed outside of the Fort to shoot him but was overpowered and deprived of his revolver. His comrade Private John Delaney went to his assistance and immediately fired without a word into an assemblage of unoffending "Freedmen." Upon this they attempted to disarm him, when he deliberately shot to death William West (Col'd) These are briefly the facts of the outrage. The spirit manifest by the "Freedmen" was law abiding and not the slightest excitement is manifest, they rest assured that justice will be done them. I immediately preferred charges (copies of which are enclosed) against the above mentioned soldiers and they are now in prison as Fortress Monroe awaiting their trial. The unfortunate affair above reported is greatly to be regretted but is not the result of any previous bad feeling between the soldiers and "Freedmen." The accused were no doubt maddened by liquor. I have the honor to be. Very respectfully Your Obd't Svt F. I. Massey, Bvt. Captain and Asst Supt. Genl S.C. Armstrong Supt 5 Disct Va Fort Monroe Va.
Transcription Notes:
Could not make out several names or titles marked them with [?]
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Reopened for Editing 2023-10-04 10:07:33
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Reopened for Editing 2023-10-04 11:23:06 to correct punctuation, some typos, and to correct the name (per SI, his name is:
Assistant Subassistant Commissioner F. A. Massey (3rd Division, 5th District))
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Reopened for Editing 2023-10-04 16:24:01 to correct name to F.I. Massey - apparent from signature, but also confirmed from soldier's database. Full name, Frederick I. Massey, from Lockport, NY.