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said to be some of the richest men in the County) went forth with guns and pistols, and without any authority of law, entered the dwellings of twenty or more freedmen, pretending to be searching for "stolen property." They treated the freedmen in a rude and vile manner, "punching" them with their guns, and threatening "To blow their brains out," or taking them to "the woods and giving them a hundred lashes." This is the commencement of a plan to intimidate and frighten the freedmen, so that they may not go to the polls, as was successfully practiced elsewhere. On the 20th inst. there were "conservative" speeches made here, couched in violent language, (a large crowd was present) and it was almost impossible to prevent a general melee. A colored boy was dangerously wounded by an accidental shot from a pistol, in the hands of a drunken man on that day. And if this bad feeling is permitted to take root here, the shedding of blood will be the consequence. I therefore most respectfully suggest, that stringent measures be at once adopted for this County, so that the virtuous and law abiding citizens may be protected in their persons and property - and the wicked and lawless promptly punished.

Very Respectfully
your obdt. Servt.
M. Monlden
Asst. Sub. Asst. Comr.