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NARA 1017

At Home. Kemper Co Miss
June 11th 1866
Maj. Knox.

My Dear Sir,

I was very much astonished that the Freedman Nelly & children were sent for by you, and the contracts considered null and void without any notice or cause. First I had hired Nelly until the 1st of Jan. Tobe had contracted with another man at the beginning of the year but not getting along will, and with the consent of his former employer, I engaged him, letting another good hand go, for his accommodation. I paid him up to the 1st of July only a few days since which he admitted in the presence of your Soldier. Under existing Circumstances, I think I clearly have a right to put Tobe in jail for getting of goods under false pretences and if necessary shall certainly do so, his wife Nelly is sick, and has been, nearly the greater part of the year. she thinks she is not able to go to Meridian and says Tobe has no disposition to go to Meridian prior to jail Therefore they have concluded to stay and fill their contracts; and hope you will allow them to do so. It does seem to me if the Military Authorities had the good of the Country at heart, they would quit listening to the Stories of the freed Men thereby breaking lawful contracts  

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