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individuals taking the law into their own hands and, upon the mear assumption of guilt, meeting out penalties at their own discretion upon those assumed to be guilty and those admitted to be inocent, men, women and children indiscriminately. In doing this I claim that the persons named above who made this assault upon the colored people have violated the laws of our country to which we alone can look for the preservation of peace and order, and to which the freemen look for protection & safety.

I shall to day transmit a copy of this report to Lieut. E. W. Stone Military Commissioner in this Division, and as I have no authority to act further in the matter, with this report I shall consider my duty discharged; expressing the wish however that those who have the authority will bring to justice these disturbers of the peace.

Very respectfully
your obedient servant
D. B. White
Ass't. Sub. Ass't Comr.