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Ames, Indiana, August 21st 1866

Friend General [[strikethrough]]Johnson[[/strikethrough]] Robinson-

I have been & am still engaged in bringing Emigrants from N.C. to the North West, Before going into the business I applied to General Howard on the subject in regard to protection from unlawful interference, which was promised; I also call on General Ruger last Spring who assured me, that unlawful interference would be prevented.

I now ask the same from thee, as I have reason that it will be needed, from this circumstance

On the night of the 18th instant while making arrangements for starting next morning, from Greensboro, with near 200 Emigrants, the Sheriff of Guilford County (N.C.) arrested me on Complaint of one Dr Hall of that County, on charge of Tresspass in damage of $100.  His first plea was that I was assisting absconding debtors to escape, & had so done with some of his, & would hold me accountable.  I showed him that I was nothing but a publick carrier, not engaged any clandestine business, that the list of my Emigrants was open to inspection by all, that each individual publickly purchased his own tickett with his own money, & that I believed that under no circumstance was I an offender against the law.  He then made this declaration "Well this business has got to be stoped, It will ruin the country, I am determined to break it up"  I then said in reply "Well if thou art determined to push this matter to an issue, I shall appeal to General Johnson." on hearing this he said he would compromise, if I would quit the business, but I told him I should not, but [[strikethrough]]while[[/strikethrough]] at no time would knowing assist any on in any fraudulent or wrong thing