thought, exhibits itself in frequent acts of violence, murder, and assas- . sination, and it is asserted that not less than twenty good and lawabiding citizens of Tuscaloosa County have been murdered by bands of outlaws within the past few months, yet not the first step has been taken to arrest and punish the guilty, or protect the innocent. States that these disloyal, democratic reconstructionists and felons laugh at the civil authorities and commit murder openly in sight of the court-house. Says it is understood that a petition has been sent to the War Department by certain citizens of Tuscaloosa praying for the removal of the company of militia at that place, stating as a reason that their presence is not wanted there, and earnestly implores that the request be not granted, as it is made by disloyal people only. He would rather see Tuscaloosa made a permanent military post, and the county put under military law. Then, and not till then, can the community entertain any hope; he says that criminals in their midst will be suitably punished, and loyal citizens protected.

June 25, 1869, General Terry, commanding Department of the South, to whom this communication was referred, returns the same with indorsement stating that "no intention is entertained of removing the garrison of the post of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The place will be occupied unless orders to the contrary are received from superior headquarters."

July 6, 1869, General W. T. Sherman, in submitting the paper to the Secretary of War, remarks: "There is no purpose to remove the companies from Tuscaloosa as long as General Terry deems their presence there essential."

November 1, 1868, General Gillem, commanding Fourth Military District, submits report of operations in his command for the year ending that date, mentions the difficulty existing between the planters and the laborers in regard to pay for labor, and to the difficulty of obtaining justice before the minor courts; also that it is almost an impossibility to identify criminals, they committing their crimes (murder) at night and in disguise.

August 31, 1868, General E. R. S. Canby forwards report of affairs in (late) Second Military District, (States of North and South Carolina,) from date of last report to discontinuance of the district; says very few instances of grave disorders or outrages occurred in either State during this period. In South Carolina, the most important of these that partook of a political character were the riot in Pickens district on the 12th of October, 1867, and the assassination of Mr. S. G. W. Dill, of Kershaw County, on the 4th of June, 1868. No other cases of disorders are mentioned in the report.

November 14, 1870, the commanding officer, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, submitted a report of his action during the election riot at that place, November 7, 1870, showing that the rioters numbered about 200 men, armed with muskets, shot-guns, revolvers, &c., and that during the riot at the court-house two colored men were wounded, one of whom died, and opposite the court-house Hon. Jos. L. Official, republican member elect to the legislature, was found wounded, and he died the next day. The casualties were 4 killed and 20 wounded.

Transmitted by department and division commanders.

December 2, 1870, the same officer reported an attempt to assassinate Lieutenant Bandy, Nineteenth Infantry, at Baton Rouge, and said that unless military protection was given, the lives of citizens and officers S. Ex. 16- -2

who testified against the rioters would be in danger. He was directed by the department commander to protect his own command, and leave the civil authorities to take care of the citizens.

January 25, 1867, General Sheridan, commanding Department of the Gulf, forwards copies of communication from Charles H. Leonard, mayor of Galveston, Texas, asking authority for citizens to give escort to remains of General Sidney Johnston, and reply thereto, sustaining action of General Griffin, who prohibited the demonstration; also, report concerning the condition of freedmen and Union men in Texas; states that freedmen are shot and Union men persecuted if they express their opinion.

January 19, 1867, Colonel J. J. Reynolds, commanding subdistrict Rio Grande, reports the firing upon a patrol of colored troops on the night of the 16th instant, by policemen, in Brownsville, Texas; the patrol returned the fire, mortally wounding two of their assailants. From evidence obtained the patrol was not to blame.

August 19, 1869, General Halleck transmits report of General Terry, commanding Department of the South, relative to outrages in Georgia, in which he says: "Now, I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that the situation here demands the interposition of the National Government, in order that life and property may be protected, freedom of speech and political action secured, and the rights and liberties of the freedmen maintained."

Cites in support of his opinions various reports of his officers, showing that in many parts of the State there is practically no government; that murders are frequent, and no attempts are made to punish the murderers, while the abuse of the blacks is too common to excite notice. December 6, 1869, General Terry forwards another report inclosing1. Papers referred by Governor Bullock relative to the lawless condition of certain counties in Georgia.

2. Report of Lieutenant George S. Hoyt of the whipping of Abe Colesby near Greensborough, by Ku-Klux in October, 1869.

3. Petition of F. H. Fyall and other citizens against outrages in Randolph County, Georgia.

4. Request for troops for the protection of Deputy Collector W. B. Whitmore, Ringgold County, Georgia.

5. Reports relative to the murder of two negroes in Hancock County; and

6. Complaint of George Hall of whipping received by him at the hands of Ku-Klux.

In General Terry's report of August 14th he recommends that the State of Georgia be again placed under military control, but General Halleck, not entirely concurring in the recommendation, submits the whole matter for the action of Congress.

September 30, 1867, General George H. Thomas, commanding Department of the Cumberland, in report of operations for the year ending September 30, 1867, refers in general terms to the disloyal elements within the limits of his command, and to the murders and outrages perpetrated by "Regulators" and Ku-Klux.

The above report contains chiefly correspondence relative to elections, between General Thomas, Governor Brownlow, General of the Army, and others. General Thomas's report is accompanied by those of post commanders, &c., detailing outrages on freedmen, &c., &c.

September 6, 1869, the commanding general of the Military Division. of the South forwards to the Adjutant General a copy of a letter, signed by H C. Higginbotham, sheriff of Cleburne County, Alabama, and

W. R. Hunnicut, judge probate, to the governor of Alabama, stating that the northwest of Cleburne and northeast of Calhoun Counties are annoyed by disguised men; that on the 14th of August there was a raid from Ludigo which was met by some good citizens and shot into, and some fifteen wounded; that it is useless to call on the civil authorities for redress, for one of the justices of the peace for Ludigo Precinct was wounded in the fight; he was disguised. Also a copy of a letter from the Governor of Alabama to General Terry, asking that troops be sent to Cleburne County to suppress outrages and protect the citizens.

Major General J. J. Reynolds, commanding Fifth Military District, (State of Texas,) in his annual report, dated October 21, 1869, says that "the number of murders in that State during the nine months from January 1, 1869, to September 30, 1869, according to the official records, necessarily imperfect, is '384,' being an average of about one and a half per day." But that some improvement is apparent in the disposition of juries to punish for murder and other high crimes, although the civil authorities have still to call on the military for aid in quelling disturb ances and making arrests, and the military often meet armed resistance in carrying out their instructions. Several persons so resisting have been killed, but in nearly every case the party killed was under indictment for murder, and invited his fate by taking up arms against the lawful authorities.

November 17, 1868, General George H. Thomas, commanding Department of the Cumberland, forwards letter of Captain William Folck, inclosing a copy of a letter addressed by the Ku Klux Klan to Mr. Willard Davis, of Lexington, Kentucky, in which Mr. Davis is warned to leave the State within 30 days, or if not he will be hanged.

Captain Folck states that similar letters were sent by the Ku-Klux Klan to Mr. Cassins, Mr. Goodloe, Dr. Davidson, and others; that the lives of Union men are imperiled; that a few nights ago, two men were taken from the jail at Nicholasville, Kentucky, by an armed force of 72 men, (mounted and masked,) and were hanged near the suburbs of the

town.

October 5, 1870, Governor H. Reed, of Florida, informs the President of the United States that in several counties of the State the officers of the law are set at defiance by organized bands of enemies of the Government; that it will be impossible, without military aid, to secure a fair vote at the election in November. Requests the presence of at least five companies of federal soldiers, with energetic officers, to be placed at his disposition for a period not exceeding four weeks. Seven petitions, communications, &c., accompany Governor Reed's letter.

November 1, 1870, Senator T. W. Osborne telegraphs from Tallahassee, Florida, stating it is very important that troops be sent to the State, (Florida.) Telegraphed in reply that there are no troops available to be sent to Florida, all being fully employed at places of great importance.

November 4, 1870, Senator Osborne telegraphs for at least one company to be sent to Lake City. Informed in reply, same date, that the demands for troops have been so great that the Department is unable to comply with his request.

November 5, 1870, the Secretary of War directs as follows: "The President desires that if any troops can be spared the aid be given. If not, however, he will adhere to the telegram before ordered and not reply to this." Same date Senator Osborne was informed that two companies would report to the United States marshal at Tallahassee from New Orleans as soon as possible. General Halleck instructed accordingly on the same date.

In reply, November 7, 1870, General Halleck states that troops cannot reach Tallahassee in time for the election. Same date, (November 7, 1870,) General Halleck was informed that his dispatch was received and is satisfactory.

November 17, 1870, the governor of Florida requests that a full regiment be sent to the State, to remain until the adjournment of the legis lature in February.

Informed in reply, dated November 22, 1870, that orders were that day issued for stationing two companies of troops at Tallahassee.

November 17, 1870, the United States marshal and district attorney at Jacksonville, Florida, represent the necessity for United States troops in the State.

November 22, 1870, General Halleck was instructed to send two companies to Tallahassee to report to the United States marshal, to assist in enforcing the laws. Telegram also sent to the United States marshal at Jacksonville, same date.

Major General A. H. Terry, commanding Department of the South, in his annual report of October 31, 1869, states that while many crimes and outrages are yet committed in the more disturbed parts of the State of Georgia, there is a gradual though sure change for the better going on, and civil authorities command a greater respect than at any time since the close of the war. The mere presence of troops is sufficient to quell any tendency to disorderly conduct.

General Terry, August, 1869, forwards papers relative to outrages committed in the State of Georgia. Assassination of Senator Adkins prompted by political hostility, solely.

Report of Major Van Voast, Eighteenth Infantry, and communication from Governor Bullock in regard to fearful condition of affairs in Warren County, Georgia, respecting secret organization hostile to the United States Government. Sheriff Norris of that county, who made a report regarding action of lawless parties at the election for President and Vice-President in November, 1868, was notified "it would be dangerous for him to do so." On the night of December 14, 1868, he was waylaid and shot. In June, 1869, Henry P. Farrow, attorney general of Georgia, having been ordered by Governor Bullock to proceed to Warren County and act for the State in bringing outlaws to justice, reports and states he will hold himself in readiness to proceed there to enact the farce of attempting to enforce civil law.

Extract from confidential conversation between Governor Bullock, of Georgia, and C. Battle, esq., Warren County, Georgia, in regard to outlawry, states that no jury would convict any lawless organization; also, that it would be most dangerous for him if this conversation became public.

Regarding action of Sheriff Norris and killing of Dr. Darden. Governor Bullock states the power of the State executive is not adequate to overcome the evils now existing in the State, and asks military protection for loyal people.

March 9, 1868, General George H. Thomas, commanding Department of the Cumberland, reports the formation of organizations for resistance to the laws, and forwards communications from E. D. Lyons, quartermaster's agent at Bridgeport, Alabama, dated February 27, 1868, relative to the Ku Klux Klan, in Pulaski, Tennessee, asserting that that city is the headquarters of the order; also communication from Hon. W. Bosson, dated Nashville, Tennessee, March 5, 1868, calling attention to the KuKlux in Tennessee, and asking military protection, the civil authorities being powerless.

January 6, 1868, General Canby, commanding Second Military District,

transmits copy of an order issued by him to meet certain difficulties existing in North Carolina; expresses, however, his doubts as to its efficacy on account of the bitterness of feeling existing; states that these difficulties are traceable to the spirit of revenge and retaliation for the execution of a number of Union men who deserted the rebel army during the war. Refers to the murder of Colonel Wethercutt, and attempts to arrest the murderers.

General Hinks's report of investigation of above murder, mentions a brutal assault on Mrs. Wethercutt; also, the shooting of a negro who attempted to shoot a Mrs. Bratcher, but wounded her husband.

General Hinks also reports eighteen murders committed in Jones, Craven, Lenoir, and Pitt counties since 1st January, 1868, and many highway robberies, burglaries and larcenies. (Six inclosures.)

October 31, 1870, W. H. Smith, governor of Alabama, refers to the President communication from S. Crawford, mayor of Stevenson, Alabama, forwarding (to the governor of Alabama) statement of Mr. J. J. Roach, relative to outrages committed in Stevenson, Alabama, stating that the corporation of Stevenson is a one-horse concern and not able to protect any man; that the citizens want troops but are afraid to sign a petition for the same.

General Reynolds, commanding Fifth Military District, forwarded October 16, 1868, report of Captain James Curtis, Fifteenth Infantry, relative to the murder, on 4th October, 1868, of Hon. G.W. Smith (delegate to constitutional convention) and two freedmen; also, a wounding of the third, by the Ku Klux Klan. General Reynolds, in a subsequent report, states that there are in arrest about 35 men who participated in the above murder.

General Buell, commanding at Jefferson, Texas, forwards May 5, 1869, communication of C. L. Pitcher, who states he has been confined there since 9th of February without knowing the cause. General Buell states he was arrested on strong evidence as one of the murderers of the Hon. Mr. Smith. In this connection General Reynolds denies certain newspaper reports regarding treatment of the above prisoners. Reports depredations of the Ku-Klux Klan and the lawlessness and murder which exist in Texas.

General Meade, commanding Department of the South, in his annual report October 31, 1868, relative to affairs in his department, states that soon after announcing the position of the military, the outrage at Camilla, Georgia, was committed, and the evidence seems to show the same to have been perpetrated by civil officers under guise of enforcing the law and suppressing disorder. Refers to report of acting judge advocate of department, that in a period of eight months there were tried by military commissions in the states of Georgia, Alabama and Florida only thirty-two persons, and of these but fifteen convicted, and thinks this a refutation that military power was despotically exercised.

General Halleck, December 8, 1869, forwards for information of the General-in-Chief, copies of reports, &c., from headquarters Department of the South, relative to troubles in different parts of Georgia.

Complaint from J. R. Griffin, notary public, Fort Valley, Georgia, of abuse to colored men and that farce of the judicial system, and that of ficers would not arrest with warrants.

Governor Bullock, of Georgia, forwards statements relative to murders and rapes, outrages by Ku-Klux, and the shooting of Warren Hays, colored, near Lexington, Georgia; also reported violence and threats and lawlessness in Mitchell County, Athens, and other parts of Georgia. Letter from Mrs. Senator Adkins about the murder of her husband. Proclamation and reward for murderers of Dr. Danden, taken from