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1032
65 1868
Bureau R. F. & A. L.
Office 3rd Dist 9th Sub Dist VA
Woodstock Dec 9th 1868
Genl O Brown
A C Richmond VA
Genl, I have the honor to report, that I went to Harrisonburg to enquire into the cause of the riot among the Freedman at that place The facts in the case are something like this. The old jail is occupied by several families some white and some Black all of which are in rather bad repute. One of those families gave a party at which there were quite a number of Blacks, belonging to the Town and nearly as many men from the Rail Road a difficulty occurred among them. It appears the Rail Road hands left for home was persued by the Blacks living in town about half mile to the new Depot, at that point The Rail Road hands gave better, and one of the most desperate and leading men of the town party was killed by a stone thrown, by some person whereas, several other persons were injured, when the crowd dispersed, since that time everything has been quiet. 
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Watkins James
Asst. Sub. Asst, Cor

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