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[[stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamp]]

Statement of Albert Williams

Am a citizen of Petersburg and while on my way to Alexandria, to establish myself in business, stopped in Richmond, to get some tools, I had left there.  With my arms full of tools, I was arrested by the police, who demanded my pass.  Told the officers I was not a slave, & that the day of passes was at an end.  He said it was Yankee freedom now, which he had always told the niggers would be worse than Southern slavery.  Told him I had no pass, but showed the following letter.

"To all whom it may concern, this is to certify that I have known Albert Williams, (col"d) for 12 years.  Has worked for me as a carpenter for 2 or 3 years at a time.  He formerly belonged to R. Ragland. of Petersburg.  Any one who will give him