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These charges were proven utterly false by reliable witnesses of both colors - who know the accused to be, one of the most peaceable and best disposed Freedmen of the County. It was also fully and clearly proven that no Military or armed organizations exist among the freed-people of that vicinity - and the only arms they have are a few old muskets left with them at the close of the war - some of them also have pistols, which they use for sporting purposes. The whites I believe are fully armed, and ready for any emergency Heard Mr Wilson tell a number of persons, that the General Commanding had instructed him to tell the whites, that they had all better arm themselves.

It is my candid opinion, that this whole affair was gotten up to injure the colored man, and as a ruse to obtain an armed organization of the whites.

Throughout the three counties under my jurisdiction, the Freedpeople are behaving themselves nobly, attending to their own legitimate duties, any giving no just cause for offense on the part of their white neighbors & Employers.

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-12-22 10:47:43