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a demonstration was gotten up by the colored republicans of Lexington and vicinity, in honor of the election of Gen Grant &c. of which I rec'd due notice, and at same time was furnished with information to the effect, that some of the students of Washington College, contemplated, in fact, had threatened, to interfere with the meeting, to the extent of shooting down any colored man, who undertook to express any gratification &c. (at the result of the Presidential election) on this occasion. I at once addressed formal communications to the Mayor at Lexington and to Gen Lee President of the College, calling their attention to the information alluded to, requesting that the proper steps be taken to prevent any disturbances of the public peace on the occasion alluded to, and assuring them that the Town and College authorities would be held strictly responsible for any interference with said demonstrations. The result of which was, that the meeting occurred, but no interference of any kind took place, in which any white

Transcription Notes:
This is referring to Confederate General Robert E. Lee who became President of Washington College soon after the Civil War.