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making all sorts of representations, and playing upon their credulity in all manner of ways. With reference to the statement that I have been too intimate with Rebels, and am not a good Union man, I am inclined to the opinion that it is too absurd to call for any notice by me. Yet it is perhaps due to myself to say, that I am a Union man through and through, from navel to Backbone and back again. but I have never deemed it wise or prudent for me as a Bureau Officer to discuss political subjects with any body. and it has always been my aim, to conduct myself in such a manner toward the whites as to compel them to respect me. I have always regarded this as important for when we consider that civil law is supreme it has seemed to me that such a course with a fixed and firm purpose to do justice would best subserve the interest of the Freedmen and maintain the dignity of the Government
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Reopened for Editing 2023-10-31 21:39:00