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members of the Union League, just after the adjournment of a meeting of the order, which from the improper interference of a Mr "Giles W B Hale," one of the so called better class of Whites, came very near precipitating a serious riot; such a calamity being prevented only through the good offices of some better disposed persons here. The difficulty, originally, was really a personal one; but Hale, who is bitterly opposed to the League, believing that the freedman, who was in his employ, wished to withdraw, "having been forced into it against his desire," and the other members were opposed to his so doing, and the one White man was about to assail him, he, undertaking to support the freedman, threatened to shoot any person who attempted to lay hands on him, or on himself. Here Hale, who is the County Jailer, and Deputy Sheriff, and should be a conservator of the Peace, acted in total disregard of his official capacity; his duty being to arrest both parties, if creating a disturbance. For this I have recommended his removal.

On the first of the month, Court day, an effort was made by certain persons here, to organize the Republican party; and at that time also there seemed to be a predisposition, on the part of two whites especially, to create a disturbance. During the day, one of the Registrars at large appointed from Richmond for this County, being a member of the Republican party, essayed to address the meeting, called in its interests, when a Mr Peter Hale, and a Mr Wm Burwell, began, both together, cross questioning him, very unreasonably

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-18 16:52:38 When a word splits across two pages, must transcribe it in full on both pages, as per TC instructions ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-19 10:35:22 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-19 10:54:09