Transcribed by James Pylant
In Tennessee, the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands began on 1 July 1865, with Brig. Gen. Clinton B. Fisk as Assistant Commissioner at Nashville. Fisk was succeeded by Brig. Gen. John R. Lewis (September—December, 1866), Maj. Gen. William P. Carlin (January, 1867—October, 1868), and Lt. Col. James Thompson (October, 1868—May, 1869). During General Fisk’s term, until June 1866, the Assistant Commissioner of Tennessee also had jurisdiction over Kentucky and northern Alabama. Fisk divided the Tennessee Bureau into three sub districts, with headquarters in Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga. Pulaski and Knoxville were later added as headquarters for two more sub districts. Then, sub-districts were subdivided into agencies with boundaries usually following county lines.
From National Archives (Washington, DC) microfilm no. M999-34, Records of the Assistant Commissioner for the State of Tennessee, Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, 1865—1869, are abstracted agency reports to the Assistant Commissioner of “outrages” committed by whites against blacks. An “outrage” meant any offense, but it was almost always a violent crime.
Two previous installments of abstracts from this source appeared in American Genealogy Magazine, Vol. 13, No. 3, and Vol. 13, No. 4.
[Page 1] . . .The Monthly returns of the County Supt. giving a very meager account of the outrages committed upon blacks by whites, they have been instructed to make a full report of all outrages committed since the first of June, there not having been received as yet. I can therefore at present only give such accounts as have come to my Knowledge in the ordinary transaction of the business of the Sub Dist. No report has been received from Bedford Co. for the last month, and there is at present no Agent of the Bureau in either Cheatham or Cannon Counties.
Joel B. Smith, Supt. for Coffee Co. reports Aug. 1st. [page 2] ‘The Freedmen of this County are industriously engaged in their avocations of business and are undisturbed in their guaranteed rights and privileges, there are a few poor and infirm Freedmen at this place the county court has been notified of their condition, and at their last regular meeting appointed suitable committees to locate a site for the building of a Poor House for the use and benefit of poor Freedmen of the county[.]’ The Agent of Dickson Co. was relieved from further duty in June last.
John Lawrence, Supt. For Davidson Co. reports Aug 1st. ‘I shall spare no pains to test the question as to whether a southern jury will convict a white man for the murder of a Freedman. I have hope that law will prevail over prejudice. The struggle will be severe and the utmost vigilance on the part of the Bureau is demanded . . . .
[Page 3] Supt Lawrence reports a most lamentable state of feeling towards Freedmen and among numerous other outrages committed upon them by whites in this county reports the following Viz: On April – Lee Nolan and Wm. McDaniel citizens of good standing in the county; without any provocation whatever shamefully beat and abused, unresisted, a colored man named Alfred Gittings, and finally shot him [page 4] to death—this is in the presence of numerous witnesses. The coroner’s jury, unquestionably through sympathy with the accused, returned a verdict that they could not determine who did the Killing. The accused were however arrested by the police and through the strenuous exertions of the Supt. Were finally indicted by the grand jury for murder and held to bail in the sum of $5000.00 each. On May — Henry Mullen, accompanied by James Wright, both citizens of this county, went to the house of John D. Gray, a discharged soldier of the 12th U. S.C. Inf. in the dead of the night broke open the door and fired five shots at him, Killing him on the spot. The civil Authorities have taken no action whatever in the matter and the Supt. through the Fear and ignorance of the witnesses has not yet succeeded in securing their arrest or indictment. June 13 Wm. Russell a citizen of this county got into a difficulty with a colored man named Jim Caruthers, pursued him while fleeing in fear and stabbed him to death with a [page 5] Knife. The coroners jury even in this plain case of murder brought in a verdict of justifiable homicide. Russell fled from the city, but on leaving the favorable verdict returned, and through the exertions of the Supt. was brought before the Grand jury and indicted for murder and held to bail in a bond of 4000.00 dollars[.] July 25th The Rev. P. C. Ament, a prominent citizen of the county, in broad day light and without speaking to her or any warning whatever shot a colored woman named Sophia Conn, Killing her instantly, and it was only after the most strenuous and persistent efforts of the Supt. that said Ament was indicted by the Grand jury for murder and held to bail in the sum of [$]5000.00.
Aug. 11. Wm. O. Hyde, a prominent citizen of the county, without any justification, shot a colored man named Dick Davis, a laborer in his employ with a carbine broded with nails cut in half, inflicting a severe and dangerous injury. Through the efforts of the Supt., he [page 6] has been indicted by the Grand jury, and held to bail in the sum of $2000.00.
Supt. Lawrence also reports other cases of murder of Freedmen in this county of older date, but that are still pending in the civil courts, and the offenders having as yet escaped their just punishment.
In addition to these he reports numerous cases of gross outrage and assault that have gone entirely unpublished or the perpetrators have escaped with punishment entirely inadequate to the offence.
He is of the opinion that without the agency of the Bureau very few cases of outrage upon Freedmen whoudl be properly investigated or punished. DeKalb Co. has no Agent of the Bureau. T. A. Ward, Supt for Franklin Co. was relieved from duty June 18 1866. Since that date then have been several cases of outrage reported form that county also threats against and interference with colored schools. Such advice and assistance has been rendered as the circumstances would admit.
In Fentress County we have no agent. R. C. Caldwell, Supt for Giles Co. was relieved from duty June 22d. 1866. Immediately after [page 7] the ill feeling toward Freedmen, previously held in check by him, broke forth in all kinds of abuse and outrage, and it was found necessary to extend the jurisdiction of Capt. Geo E. Judd, U . R. C. over Giles CO. and change his station to Pulaski Giles Co. among the numerous instances of outrage committed on Freedmen in that Co. are the following. Mike Dougherty assaulted a Freedman named King Pedan, with an axe with an intent to Kill, and inflicting a serious injury. A warrant was issued for his arrest by a loyal Magistrate but no action was had until recently to forestall the action of the Supt. Said Dougherty was brought before a Magistrate for the offence and Fined Five dollars and costs.
On or about June 20th — Lane shot a colored man in his employ, without any provocation inflicting a severe wound in the arm. The Magistrate issued a warrant but no further action was taken in the matter.
July 7th John Sullivan, Jack Keith, Powhattan Harden and James Russell and a man named [page 8] Walls, at night and on the public highway and without any provocation, shot a colored man named Dudley Kimble, so that he died. A warrant for their arrest was issued by a Magistrate and placed in the hands of the sheriff P. H. Perden [?], who has made no effort to arrest the accused nor has any further action been taken by the civil authorities. A statement and affidavits were forwarded Aug 25 recommending their arrest by the Military authorities.
July 15 The house of Amos Kimble (col.d) was attacked by parties supposed to be those above named the door broken down and himself and his family freed upon repeatedly, probably with intent to destroy the evidence against the guilty parties in the preceding case. The assailants were finally driven off by Kimble & friends who came to his assistance.
There are numerous instances of unjust arrest and imprisonment reported in this county and the close attention of the Supt will be requisite to prevent undeserved imprisonment and punishments. I have no Agent nor report from Grundy Co.
[Page 9] L. Gossett, Supt for Humphries Co. reports Aug 11th. “The freedmen are getting along well at present. [T]he citizens are desirous that the colored people should do well, and they give me their assistance in advising them for their own good and to make them believe that they can do well if they will try. The people are in favor of the Freedmen Bureau in this county — for they say they could not get along without it. . .”
J. W. Puckett Supt for Hickman Co. reports Aug. 21st. “The feeling seems to have made a favorable change for the better there has been on unjust treatment of the blacks since the 1st of June. The Freedmen are doing well generally and I have been unable to hear of any thefts committed by blacks this year. The employers seem very willing to discharge their obligations [page 10] to Freedmen as per contracts for this year but there is an utter abhorrence to pay the Freedmen for work done last year. . .”
No report has been rec.d for the Supt for Jackson Co. From Private source I have rec.d information of more or less abuse of Freedmen From Lewis Co. and Lawrence Co. my information has been very meager as we have no agent in either county.
Alfred Beardon Supt for Lincoln Co. reports July 31st. “Everything is moving on quickly so far as I Know.” Aug 14 “reports that a man named Webb s hot a colored man named Smithey with [p—?—] shot. A warrant was issued with hesitation but he has not been arrested. It affords me pleasure to report to you that I have not heard of a single instance in my county of application being made by colored people to the proper officers for warrants either state or civil but what their requests have been cheerfully complied with &c.;”
Joshua Cobb, Supt Maury Co. makes no report for the state of feeling.
Moses C. West Supt for Marshall Co. reports Aug. 3rd “The colored persons are generally performing their contracts faithfully I know of but four in the county that have abandoned their contracts. [T]he whites are generally liberal & charitable toward them. There are however some few that need watching that I fear are disposed to take advantage of the colored man — they are few[.] I have in the last two weeks been over about half of the county and much grateful to see the Kindness and sympathy between the whites and colored people[.]”
Gilbra Seegreaves Supt for Macon Co. reports, “In regard to the state of feeling towards the Bureau I have to say there is a good deal of prejudice still existing among a good portion of the people.”
No report from Overton Co.
[Page 12] Jesse Taylor Supt Perr Co. makes no report of state of Feeling.
No Report received from Putnam Co.
D. D. Holman, Supt for Robertson Co. reports that there is so much prejudice against the colored people that with all the means at his power he has been unable to prevent abuses for forfeitures of contracts, and that should it continue, by the end of the year no contracts can be made. That then are at present a number of women and children who are scarce of supplies and poo[r]ly clad, and as the winters is fast approaching, must necessarily suffer “without help[.]” We have no vagrant laws to enforce and our court seems little inclined to make any appropriation for the wants and necessities of the dependant.
Capt Jas M. Tracy, Supt Rutherford Co. reports Aug. 1st. “The civil authorities listen patiently to all complaints made by the colored people and promptly administer justice in all cases when the complaints have been well founded and justice was demanded. The only difficulty is that in all instances when suit is to be brought [page 13] by colored people, the costs are required in advance, and few colored men have the money to pay costs; but when they think their cause just, they borrow the money and manage in that way to get a hearing.”
“There has been one case reported to me of any aggravated character, and a few complaints by both black & whites of violation of contracts.”
I am not satisfied with Capt. Tracy[’]s reports as various complaints have been made to this office by Freedmen of Rutherford Co. among the following. Peter F. Hagar and Thomas Farmer residents of that county went to the house of a colored man named Alexander Hudson, Aug 25th and without provocation cut and stabbed a colored man named Charles Hicks injuring him seriously. This at Smyrna Rutherford Co. It is also reported that one James S Kimmerman a resident of Smyrna shot and Killed a colored man named William Crutchfield on or about the 15th of this month, on the railroad between Smyrna & Murfreesboro [page 14] These have been referred to Capt Tracy with instructions to thoroughly investigate them, and also several complaints of abuse and breach of contract.
Jas. M. Shoemake, Supt for Smith Co reports Aug 4th. “The citizens of this county are quite peaceable, no disturbance whatever between whites and blacks. Some think the Bureau a necessary and useful institution whilst others think it entirely unnecessary and could be safely disposed with[.]”
Geo. M. Stewart, Supt, Stewart Co. reports Aug 1st “Everything is working well and the Freedmen contented” Aug 3d He reports the abduction of two freed colored children, by their former owners, parties from Trigg Co. Ky. [T]he names of the children Ellen and Lewis Woods, and of the parties who carried them off by force Thos and John Greenwoode who live two miles from Roaring Spring Trigg Co. Ky. The matter was referred to the Asst Comr of Ky. and Richard Woods the father of the children directed to apply to the Bureau Agent of Trigg Co.
Thomas C. Trimble, Supt for Sumner Co. reports [page 15] Aug. 14th. Some few complaints have recently been made by employees against their employers for injustice. Some persons are mean enough to take any and every advantage of the freedmen. Acts of this kind have taken place with those parties more particularly who employed Freedmen and who are to give them a part of the crop. They do many acts to annoy and discourage the Freedmen in order that they may have an excuse to drive them away and thereby appropriate the entire crop. Among other cases of outrage reported from Sumner Co. are the following:
April — John Purth and Wallace Webb sent to the plantation of H. P. Duvall in the night and compelled a negro man named Jim Duvall to pilot them to the hosue of James Warren (col.d) whom they took into the woods about a mile from his house and shot him to death. They then returned to the house of the murdered man and attempted to commit rape on his wife. The civil authorities [page 16] have taken no action in the matter to arrest and punish the murderers. Loyal men say they dare no act for fear of assassination. Measures will be taken to arrest these parties under Civil Order 44.
Aug. 10th Samuel Doxey, living on the Gelatin Pike Six miles from Gelatin shot and badly wounded a Freedmen named Joseph M. Steward, a quiet and inoffensive colored man. The Supt when he reported the case had procured a warrant for his arrest.
Aug. 14th. George Martin, and Leroy Gowan [or Cowan?] citizens of Sumner Co. went to the house of a colored man named Nathan Roney, near Mitchellville Station, Sumner Co. in the night and calling him from his bed, shot him through the right wrist, ruining the arm for life, even if it do not cause its loss. The case has been referred to Supt Trimble with instructions to do what he can to ring the parties to justice.
There is reported to be no safety for Union men; or Freedmen, especially discharged colored soldiers in the north part of [page 17] Sumner Co. there being a gang of cutthroats and villans [sic], who under the head of Harper rob and murder without let or hindrance.
J. L. Fowler, Supt. for Wayne Co. reports July 31st. “Feeling toward Freedmen by the citizens not so favorable as heretofore.” Capt. Geo. E. Judd, UCRC Supt Williamson Co. reports Aug 11th. [“]The citizens of Williamson Co. are not disposed to do the Freedmen any more justice than they are obliged to. The civil officers will attend to complaints of Freedmen if there is some one to attend to them if they refuse but not otherwise.
I think this is the case all over this part of the state. I do not think the best citizens are opposed to the Bureau, but unfortunately most of the planters of Williamson Co. could not be classed as the best citizens. They are mostly rough and overbearing — hard to get along with even by men who are much better educated then the negroes.
The system of slavery has brutalized the people until they feel as if they must kill [page 18] the Negro if he dares to speak in opposition to them. And in fact they act as if they would like to Kill any man who hints that the negro has the same rights that they have.”
Capt Judd reports that immediately after his removal from Williamson Co. to Pulaski, he is informed the civil officers refused to issue warrants for colored persons, and recommends the appointment of a local agent at Franklin.
I have unofficial information that a colored man and his wife living in Williamson Co. where shot while in bed in their own house, on the Eve of Aug 15. I have taken measure to investigate the case. Wm. Lowry, Supt Warren Co. reports Aug 16 “Freedmen are generally working well. [N]o complaints as to their wages. There as been no difficulty of any kind between the whites and colored population which has come to my Knowledge.”
Richard Simpson, Supt White Co. reports July 14 “Two colored women were shipped [page 19] by their employers” who applied to him for redress and were refused to the civil authorities[.] Aug 6th reports “No disturbance among the freedmen or with the colored and whites for the last month, all appears to move harmoniously.”
Aug. 11th reports that he colored woman [women] who were whipped are Phoba Snodgrass who was whipped by Thos. Pape [Pope?] Esq. (said Pape is chairman (or Judge) of the county court) and Martha Young, whipped by Joseph W. Taylor. In both cases he reports that he has been unable to get a warrant issued, and will therefore bring the cases before the grand jury at the next term of the circuit court. He says, “I have no idea that he colored people can obtain justice before the Civil Courts of this county, they lack information and have no means to fee counsel” and is of the opinion that they have not help except in the Bureau.
S. B. F. C. Barr, Supt for Wilson Co. has made [page 20] no report. There are several unofficial reports of outrages in that county among others the case reported by Col. Palmer of Stephen Ligon (a discharged col.d) who was shot and instantly killed on the 2d of June, by R. S. Ligon Jr and Jayless Ligon, simply because he had gone to the Supt. to complain of his son being abused. These men are now under [$]2000.00 bail, and the attorney who was employed to prosecute the accused reports to me that he does not think they will be convicted although it is a most aggravated case of murder as you will see by reference to Col. Palmer[’s] Inspection report of Wilson Co. dated June 23d 1866. It is important that an agent be appointed in this county as the health of Mr. Barr will not permit him to perform the duty.
I need only say in conclusion that I believe very little justice can be obtained from the colored people of this Sub District except by the agency of active and sufficient Bureau Agents. I believe that experience has demonstrated the impropriety of appointing old residents of the counties as Superintendents. Strangers who have no friends to reward or enemies to punish [page 21] but who will act simply in obedience to orders and with perfect impartiality are required in very many of the counties of the Sub Dist. To obtain such, a liberal policy is required. Much may be done perhaps by sending a competent officer to investigate each serious case that may be reported, and at once secure the action of the civil authorities, or make the arrest by Military authority. For this purpose I would recommend that an officer be detailed to report for duty to this office. For current business of the Supt. of counties I have the honor to refer to my consolidated report transmitted Aug 21 1866. Measures are taken as far as possible to carry out the provisions of Genl orders No. 44.
[Page 1] Joel B. Smith — Supt. Coffee Co. reports Oct. 1st. – – – – – – – “Many disturbances have occurred during the month between the youth of both colors which was promptly arrested by the Civil Authorities by the Civil Authorities, and after investigation, the guilty parties (white) were promptly punished by fines.”
Capt. Geo. G. Judd — Supt. for Giles Co. reports Sep. 30. “A negro was murdered last night. The murder committed by about two miles from this place by two white men. The men are not known.
The men were sitting on the fence by the [page 2] road side the negro came along with road and was asked by the white men who he belonged to before the war, and were he worked now. He told him. They (two white men) told him to step to the side of the Pike, he (negro) did so, when the (white) commenced shooting at him. From the best information I can get, the negro did not know the men who shot him. No reason can be given for the deed. It is an outrage that the people here cannot understand. I shall do that I can to find out particulars, and to find the murderers.
There is certainly a gang of men in this County who are already for anything desperate and outrageous. I think the civil authorities will go through the form of trying to find the murderers but I do not think they will find them.
Sept. 3d. A little child belonging to Amanda Bell, (col.d) was shot through the shoulder. James T. Adams (white) was arrested and tried for the offence, but nothing could be proved against [page 3] him except that he was drunk, and that he fired his pistol at a peach tree. The child was not killed she was so young she could not identify the one who shot her.
Sept. 28th. James Baily (white) assaulted Margaret Baily (col.d)—struck her several blows with a cane complaint made to Esq. Trentham. I have not heard decision. Sept. 29th William Keeling (white) struck Caroline Hastings (Col.d) with a stone—cut her head very badly — also drew his pistol on Nelson Rivers (col’d) threatening to kill him. Warrants were issued by Esq. Anderson—case is not yet tried.
Sept. 29th. Bob Taylor (col’d) was shot by two white men—names unknown. Taylor died Oct. 1st no action seems to have taken to find the murderers.
No reason can be given for the murder. Murder was committed on Columbia Pike two miles from Pulaski.
[Page 4] J. H. Gregory — Supt. Maury Co. reports October 22d.—The freedmen are generally industrious and faithful to their contracts.
While it would afford me the greatest pleasures to report a perfect harmony between the freedmen and whites of this county it would be wrong for me to attempt to disguise the fact that a strong prejudice still exists in the minds of the whites towards the blacks. In some few cases these mutual prejudices have led to personal collisions, from which however no serious injury to the persons of the freedmen has occurred with one or two exceptions.
The civil authorities have taken charge of several cases where freedmen are concerned what cases they have tried consisted merely of case for debt and one case for assault. As yet no complaints have been made to this office by the freedmen against any decisions rendered by the Civil Authorities.
[Page 5] B. D. Hunter—Supt. Putnam Co. reports Oct. 15th — “One Col’d woman named Julia Ely employed by Stephen Syle was abused by him and driven away and some days afterwards he accused her of stealing a tuck comb. She was indicted by Syle, and brought before Thomas Webb, a Rebel magistrate — found guilty and bound over to the Circuit Court the 4th Monday in Dec.r She said the comb was her own. All this happened unknown to me or I knew nothing till I saw the woman here in town for they had brought her here to go to jail. Judge Goodpasture bailed her out and took her to Lexington to be a good slave till Court.”
D. D. Holman Supt Robertson Co. reports October 8th — I regret to say that much confusion has been created recently amongst the colored soldiers or those who had belonged to the army, in the northern portion of this county bordering upon the [page 6] line of Ky. by the appearance of armed men who are threatening the lives of all those who had been in the army and many of them have left and come to this place, and are appealing to me for protection. The parties thus parading the county are not citizens of the county but reside in Sumner County and Simpson County, Ky. I had learned the names of the two people men Martin and Colley, the others are strangers — the largest number that I heard of it twelve or fifteen — but often go in parties from 3 to 5, they have not been nearer to this place than seven miles. There has been but one Col’d man killed — that was near the Kentucky line about 15 miles from this place.
D. D. Holman reports the following case Sept. 15 — “An unfortunate difficulty occurred here on last Saturday morning which resulted in the shooting and killing of a col’d man named Murphy.
The facts are as follows: Murphy [page 7] was hired by contract to Dr Pepper for the present year. He came to me about two months since to set aside the contract which I refused to do, upon the grounds that he has no complaints to make against Pepper. He accordingly quit Pepper disregarding his contract entirely and has been roaming at large wearing his pistols and sometimes carrying a gun which created a good deal uneasiness in the neighborhood. At one time he entered the parlor of Mr. Crockett who was lying sick and seemed to bid defiance to Mr Crockett who was lying sick and seemed to bid defiance to Mr Crockett or his family. On last Saturday morning he came by the house of Mr. D. W. Pepper and shot at his dog in the yard. Mr. Pepper, reported the facts to me and I ordered his arrest — there being no civil officer I directed Mr. Dycus to [page 8] arrest him and bring him before me before me [sic] that I might have his case investigated, or his conduct by a civil magistrate. Mr Dycus attempted to do so. Murphy drew his knife as I undertand, and bid defiance as before, hereupon a pistol was fired in the hands of his (Dycus) son, but I suppose did not take effect. When the pistol fired a colored woman at woman at whose house it occurred cried out that her child was shot. Murphy drew his knife as I understand, and bid defiance as before, hereupon a pistol was fired a colored woman at whose house it occurred cried out that her child was shot. Murphy ran through the crowd, and the cry was arrest him, he has killed a child, this caused a number of bystanders to give chase several shot were fired before he was taken, it was found upon examination that he was hot through the bowels, and died from the effect of the wound next morning. The Sheriff was soon upon the ground — and Dycus and his son were bound over to the next time of the Circuit Court in a bond of $5000.00.
Rev. Rich.d Simpson, Supt. White Co. reports Oct 2d “I have heard of no disturbances during the last month, all appears [page 9] quiet. I attended the last Circuit court at Sparta, and tried hard to make up the difficulty between those colored women where were whipped, and those who whipped them, and in one case was much abused and threatened with bodily violence, and all I could do was to have them indicted, which will now lie over until January term of court. In one of those cases I am notified by defendant that I am not to attend court though I shall try to discharge my duty.
There is quite a prejudice against the colored people here, & I do not think that any colored person can have a fair trial against a white person in our Courts.
I would respectfully bring to the notice of the Asst. Com.r the want of some place where Freedmen can deposit in safety their little earnings and saving for the reason that threats have been made especially in the Northern counties of this Sub-District by lawless men that they [page 10] will at Christmas come around and destroy their homes and take from their savings.
I would furthermore bring to your notice the hardships that will befall the colored soldiers if their Bounty Claims are not promptly settled for the reason that hundreds of Agents are scattered over the District wheedling from them their claims under the pretence that they will immediately get them settled. By this means, they having the papers in their possession will mulct them out of the great portion of their just amounts.
[Page 11] G. E. Green, Supt. of Madison Co. reports an outrage on the persons of four freedmen but gives no particulars.
James Ware, Supt &c Bradley County reports as follows:
“I have but two outrages upon Freedmen to report. The first one is two white men to a Colored School near Charleston, in this County, and abused the scholars very bad, and threatened to kill the teacher, by the name of Lamson. I will have the parties arrested as soon as possible. The other outrage was committed in Meigs County. A colored man was driven from this house and otherwise maltreated. I am unable to report the action of the civil authorities in reference to the matter but can do so possibly in my next report. The parties who committed the first outrage also disturbed an assemblage of colored people a short time previous who were at public worship.
[Page 1] Joel B. Smith Supt. for Coffee Co. reports Sep. 1st 1866[.] As a general thing the Freedmen are laboring industriously, some however have abandoned their contracts it not being objected to by their employers on account of crop failures and other reasons I find that since the adjudication of differences between the colored & white citizens have been referred to the Civil authorities the freedmen are not so successful in getting justice. [A]lso that there is more litigation. I do not wish [it] understood that the freedmen are unfairly dealt with by the courts for I believe that decisions are in strict conformity to law, in most cases, yet the superior advantages, of the Knowledge of law, is taken ad vantage [sic] of, by a great many white persons & proofs illegitimately obtained whereby thus the whites are seldom the losing party & the differences in education in [page 2] my opinion should admit if a considerable amount of quity in such decisions that the courts do not recognize.
John Lawrence Supt Davidson Co reports Aug 31st.
- The Freedmen in this county are generally well employed and cases of violation of contracts on either side are not numerous. There are still many Freedmen in Nashville, who will find it quite difficult to maintain themselves, owing to the extortionate demands of landlords for rent and especially for ground rent.
- Owing to wrongs in Ky. and in some of the surrounding counties, a pretty large number of families who went out at the beginning of the year on contracts have returned and some of them without any return for their years rent.
- It is still the practice of contractors in many districts of the country, hundred of miles from Nashville to send afflicted and helpless servants to Nashville to be taken care of. This is the most embarrassing fact connected with this Agency. I could soon make ample provision for all our resident [page 3] paupers but it is utterly impossible to provide for the poor of other counties and states. I respectfully recommend that means be provided by the Civil Government to aid in providing for the floating poor who find their way to Nashville.
Jasper Erly was shot through the arm while engaged in chopping wood at — Whitmans about 9 miles from Nashville Aug 28th 1866. He knows no reason for the shooting, and the name of the perpetrator of the crime has not been ascertained. Erly fled from his work, and made his way unto the city where his wound was dressed. I have labored in vain so far to get the name of the criminal.
Capt Geo E. Judd Supt Giles Co reports Sept 1st. The feeling of the citizens of Giles Co is very bitter towards the Bureau and in fact towards everything which Is for the benefit of the negroes. The people seem to grow more bitter towards northern men than they were last spring when I first [page 4] commenced duty as Superintendent. They talk very bitter and cuss men as damned Yankees simply because they are from the north. I hear myself call all sorts of vile names as I am around on the street. I think this is vary bad county. . . The idea of negroes getting justice before the magistrate of this county is perfectly absurd. They will hear the testimony of the blacks but will give it no weight unless it happens to suit their purpose.
Capt Judd also reports Aug 16 John Ezell (white) assaulted Molly Ezell (col) with fist and stick. Warrant was issued by Justice of [page 5] Peace, Defendant plead guilty was fined two dollars and costs.
Aug 23d Robert Mitchell assaulted a family of Negroes and cut Dolly Woods with a Knife made very bad wound. Mitchell was held in two thousands dollars to appear Sept 7th 1866.
A Gassell Supt for Humphries Co reports Sept 15th “The Freedmen was all doing very well and both white and colored were at peace and that a good feeling prevailed amongst the people.”
Jno B Riggs Supt for Jackson and Overton Cos reports Aug 30th 1866. “The Freedmen are getting a long firmly in every respect.”
[Page 6]. . . Jas H Gregory, Supt for Maury Co reports Sept 18, 1866
“I think a large majority of the citizens are disposed to deal justly with the freedmen when old prejudices can be sufficiently removed for them to see clearly what justice to the races. There are however some unprincipled persons that are disposed to take advantage of their ignorance. There are frequent complaints made by employers that contracts are being violated one party contending that the other fails to do as much as the contract requires, in many cases I think both are somewhat at fault. The civil offences that I refer the Freedmen to as a general thing I believe render impartial judgments as they honestly think, but I think it probable that they have not divested themselves of all prejudice as thoroughly as they suppose but there has not a case come under my observation [page 7] seem to justify an appeal.”
Moses C. West, Supt for Marshall Co reports Sept 3d. “There has been but one complaint that was assault and battery between a white man and col.d man I had a warrant issued by a Justice of the peace for the white man, he has not yet been found. Neither party was seriously hurt but I wanted the law promptly enforced.”
“The Freedmen are generally performing their contracts faithfully. I have but little complaint and their employers are generally kind and liberal toward the Freedmen.”
D. D. Holman, Supt Robertson reports Sept 11th
“The feeling upon the part of the whites towards the col.d people are in a large majority of cases of the col.d people seem well reconciled and are attentive to business. . .”
Capt. Jas. M. Tracy Supt Rutherford Co. reports Sep 1st “On yesterday I had a conversation with J W Hite of Smyrna, who is a perfectly reliable gentle man and he reports the origin of the difficulty as he saw it. On the 4th after the excitement had arisen a negro name unknown undertook to burst open a house [page 8] that belonged to a man, once Skillmans partner in some kind of business and threatened to set the building on fire, the gentleman was not present and Skillman went to the building to protect it the negro was very much excited drew a pistol and ‘snapped’ at Skillman the piece was not discharged. S. then made at the negro in self defense and he run. S never saw him since until a few days ago when he met the Negro on the Rail Road when he opened fire on him (this part is only rumor) fired several shots two of which took effect but the extent of the injuries sustained by the black man is not known.”
James M Shoemake, Supt Smith Co. reports Sept 7 ’66.
“The feelings toward the Bureau and its officers, here, are hard with the one part of the people while another part favor it.”
John L[?] Fowler, Supt Wayne reports Aug 31st “Feeling toward Freedmen by the citizens not so favorable as heretofore[.]” Wm Lowry Supt Warren Co. reports Sept 3d
“The citizens and freedmen are getting along very well together, very few contracts rescinded.”
Rev Richard Simpson Supt White Co. Sept 1st writes as follows. “Permit me to suggest to you if some compulsory measures are not used in this county then will be but few contracts made for the next year. The white people are opposed to entering into contracts with the colored and they tell the colored that is an unnecessary expense and a contract not registered is just as good, and in this way they persuade the colored out of contracts. Can not some measure be adopted that will compel the white man to enter into contracts and by that means accomplish the desired end.”
[Page 1] Joel B. Smith Supt. for Coffee Co. reports Sep. 1st 1866[.] As a general thing the Freedmen are laboring industriously, some however have abandoned their contracts it not being objected to by their employers on account of crop failures and other reasons I find that since the adjudication of differences between the colored & white citizens have been referred to the Civil authorities the freedmen are not so successful in getting justice. [A]lso that there is more litigation. I do not wish [it] understood that the freedmen are unfairly dealt with by the courts for I believe that decisions are in strict conformity to law, in most cases, yet the superior advantages, of the Knowledge of law, is taken ad vantage [sic] of, by a great many white persons & proofs illegitimately obtained whereby thus the whites are seldom the losing party & the differences in education in [page 2] my opinion should admit if a considerable amount of quity in such decisions that the courts do not recognize.
John Lawrence Supt Davidson Co reports Aug 31st.
- The Freedmen in this county are generally well employed and cases of violation of contracts on either side are not numerous. There are still many Freedmen in Nashville, who will find it quite difficult to maintain themselves, owing to the extortionate demands of landlords for rent and especially for ground rent.
- Owing to wrongs in Ky. and in some of the surrounding counties, a pretty large number of families who went out at the beginning of the year on contracts have returned and some of them without any return for their years rent.
- It is still the practice of contractors in many districts of the country, hundred of miles from Nashville to send afflicted and helpless servants to Nashville to be taken care of. This is the most embarrassing fact connected with this Agency. I could soon make ample provision for all our resident [page 3] paupers but it is utterly impossible to provide for the poor of other counties and states. I respectfully recommend that means be provided by the Civil Government to aid in providing for the floating poor who find their way to Nashville.
Jasper Erly was shot through the arm while engaged in chopping wood at — Whitmans about 9 miles from Nashville Aug 28th 1866. He knows no reason for the shooting, and the name of the perpetrator of the crime has not been ascertained. Erly fled from his work, and made his way unto the city where his wound was dressed. I have labored in vain so far to get the name of the criminal.
Capt Geo E. Judd Supt Giles Co reports Sept 1st. The feeling of the citizens of Giles Co is very bitter towards the Bureau and in fact towards everything which Is for the benefit of the negroes. The people seem to grow more bitter towards northern men than they were last spring when I first [page 4] commenced duty as Superintendent. They talk very bitter and cuss men as damned Yankees simply because they are from the north. I hear myself call all sorts of vile names as I am around on the street. I think this is vary bad county. . . The idea of negroes getting justice before the magistrate of this county is perfectly absurd. They will hear the testimony of the blacks but will give it no weight unless it happens to suit their purpose.
Capt Judd also reports Aug 16 John Ezell (white) assaulted Molly Ezell (col) with fist and stick. Warrant was issued by Justice of [page 5] Peace, Defendant plead guilty was fined two dollars and costs.
Aug 23d Robert Mitchell assaulted a family of Negroes and cut Dolly Woods with a Knife made very bad wound. Mitchell was held in two thousands dollars to appear Sept 7th 1866.
A Gassell Supt for Humphries Co reports Sept 15th “The Freedmen was all doing very well and both white and colored were at peace and that a good feeling prevailed amongst the people.”
Jno B Riggs Supt for Jackson and Overton Cos reports Aug 30th 1866. “The Freedmen are getting a long firmly in every respect.”
[Page 6]. . . Jas H Gregory, Supt for Maury Co reports Sept 18, 1866
“I think a large majority of the citizens are disposed to deal justly with the freedmen when old prejudices can be sufficiently removed for them to see clearly what justice to the races. There are however some unprincipled persons that are disposed to take advantage of their ignorance. There are frequent complaints made by employers that contracts are being violated one party contending that the other fails to do as much as the contract requires, in many cases I think both are somewhat at fault. The civil offences that I refer the Freedmen to as a general thing I believe render impartial judgments as they honestly think, but I think it probable that they have not divested themselves of all prejudice as thoroughly as they suppose but there has not a case come under my observation [page 7] seem to justify an appeal.”
Moses C. West, Supt for Marshall Co reports Sept 3d. “There has been but one complaint that was assault and battery between a white man and col.d man I had a warrant issued by a Justice of the peace for the white man, he has not yet been found. Neither party was seriously hurt but I wanted the law promptly enforced.”
“The Freedmen are generally performing their contracts faithfully. I have but little complaint and their employers are generally kind and liberal toward the Freedmen.”
D. D. Holman, Supt Robertson reports Sept 11th
“The feeling upon the part of the whites towards the col.d people are in a large majority of cases of the col.d people seem well reconciled and are attentive to business. . .”
Capt. Jas. M. Tracy Supt Rutherford Co. reports Sep 1st “On yesterday I had a conversation with J W Hite of Smyrna, who is a perfectly reliable gentle man and he reports the origin of the difficulty as he saw it. On the 4th after the excitement had arisen a negro name unknown undertook to burst open a house [page 8] that belonged to a man, once Skillmans partner in some kind of business and threatened to set the building on fire, the gentleman was not present and Skillman went to the building to protect it the negro was very much excited drew a pistol and ‘snapped’ at Skillman the piece was not discharged. S. then made at the negro in self defense and he run. S never saw him since until a few days ago when he met the Negro on the Rail Road when he opened fire on him (this part is only rumor) fired several shots two of which took effect but the extent of the injuries sustained by the black man is not known.”
James M Shoemake, Supt Smith Co. reports Sept 7 ’66.
?The feelings toward the Bureau and its officers, here, are hard with the one part of the people while another part favor it.”
John L[?] Fowler, Supt Wayne reports Aug 31st “Feeling toward Freedmen by the citizens not so favorable as heretofore[.]” Wm Lowry Supt Warren Co. reports Sept 3d
“The citizens and freedmen are getting along very well together, very few contracts rescinded.”
Rev Richard Simpson Supt White Co. Sept 1st writes as follows. “Permit me to suggest to you if some compulsory measures are not used in this county then will be but few contracts made for the next year. The white people are opposed to entering into contracts with the colored and they tell the colored that is an unnecessary expense and a contract not registered is just as good, and in this way they persuade the colored out of contracts. Can not some measure be adopted that will compel the white man to enter into contracts and by that means accomplish the desired end.”
The outrages upon the negros in this district by whites which I have any knowledge of are limited in number and violence, and perhaps more readily punished than in any other section of the Country. They are generally the result of personal difficulties though sometimes wanton and unprovoked.
The main difficulties under which the negros labor is that their testimony in the Courts is given but slight credence. And the verdicts in their favor, if for damages are always of trifling amount, as an instance, in McMinn Co. Ben Jenkins cruelly whipped a negro girl, because as he [page 2] said, “she has been impudent to his children.” At the same time, his son having a gun pointed and cocked at the girl, threatening to shoot her if she ran away. A complaint was made to an Esquire and a warrant requested which was refused, I went to the Esqr. Stated the case, and then he issued the warrant. The case was tried, and a verdict given against Jenkins of ($10) Ten Dollars, that was all. The mistress of the black girl had interfered to protect her, and Jenkins had beaten and abused her. Her husband returning home was informed of the facts, and whipped Jenkins for the treatment of his wife. Jenkins obtained a warrant, had the man arrested, and he was at last accounts in Jail awaiting the action of the Circuit Court. Such as justice in McMinn Co. At the circuit Court meeting in Athens however I met all the justices and had a conversation with them for some two hours during which time I [page 3] Explained to them the State Law, and also the Civil rights bill, and I think that hereafter there will be fewer unjust decisions rendered.
I enclosed copy of Liet. S. W Greosbeck‘s report support Supt. Knox Co. also Copy of James Ware‘s Supt Bradley Co.
In conclusion I would state that it is in my opinion that the presence of Officers of the Bureau in this section of the state, acts as a restraint upon the passions of the ignorant as well as the prejudices of the County Magistrates of the miner Counties. It also in a measure prevents interference with the education of the negro, against which is the rural sections, the most bitter prejudice exists amongst all classes of people.
[Page 1] In compliance with Circular letter from your office of date of Aug. 7th 1866 I have the honor to report as follows.
In regard to the relations existing between the whites and the blacks of the City of Knoxville, and immediately vicinity, I can report favorably. The police however occasionaly [sic] beat or imprison the blacks on slight pretexts, and for reasons existing in their prejudices for the negro only, and not for any violation of law. The disposition on the part of the Police may be considered a reliable index to the feelings and sentiments of the more ignorant white inhabitants toward the Blacks. . . .
[Page 1] Everything in connection with the operation of the Bureau of Refugees Freedmen and Abandoned Lands in Bradley County, is progressing finely. I hear no complaints of account in regard to Freedmen and I think the people of this County have made up their minds, after exhausting all their vocabulary in denouncing the Bureau that it is here, and that it is an institution created by law, and that the less they say in regard to it the better. . . .
In accordance with instructions I proceeded to Brentwood yesterday and having investigated the burning of the colored School and Church I have the honor to report the following.
From the statement of William Johnson (Col.d) who acted as Sexton for the church he leads me to believe that it was the work of an incendiary. He states that after services on that occasion for the evening of the burning he himself removed the fire in the store leaving nothing therein but a fire embars.
[Page 1] In obedience to instructions I have the honor to submit the following report upon the condition of officers in this Sub District for the Month of September 1866.
The incomplete report of some of the neglect of others in not forwarding their returns in compliance with instructions from these Hd. Quarters has not only delayed this report but rendered it incomplete.
I therefore at present have the honor to submit the following report as shown by the records in this office.
Joe B. Smith Supt Coffee Co. reports October 1st.
“The Freedmen are laboring and industriously, there is little or no vagrancy the result of which is by are getting good wages first class laborers are getting Thirty (30) dollars per month and rations, the [page 2] demand for such laborers is considerable, a Rail Road is being rebuilt the rough the county and timbers are being gotten out for the various Rail Roads and for other purposes giving employment to hundreds. The freedman is preferred as a laborer to the white man.
Minor disturbances here occurred during the month between the youth of both colors which promptly arrested by the civil authorities and after investigation the guilty parties (white) were promptly punished by fines and [et]c.”
John Lawrence, Esq. Sup Davidson Co. reports Sept. 3d.
“No outrages of a noticeable character have occurred during the month and all cases requiring the attention of the Civil Courts have been adjudicated so far as Known in a spirit of impartiality.
“Some violations of contracts have occurred but the number is so small that I am of the opinion that a very general compliance has been obtained.”
[Page 4] Capt. Geo. E. Judd, V. R. C., Supt for Giles Co. reports Oct. 3d. “There has been a marked improvement in this county during during [sic] the past month. The people are doing better by the Negro than they were when I first came here. The magistrates seem to take hold and do their duty consequently there is not half as much trouble through the country as there has been theretofore. The people are careful to do what they think is right when they Know they are liable to be troubled with a law suit it they do not.
From present appearance I think most of the Negroes will be able to make contracts as soon as their old ones are out. Those who have made good laborers through this year will surely have no trouble in securing good places for the coming year.
I feel very much pleased with the [page 5] looks of things generally here I believe the Planters have made up their minds that they have got to settle up fairly with the Negro. I think a great many of the Planters have thought they could settle with the negro in their own way but since the magistrates have shown a disposition to do their duty and see that the Negro has his rights they have given it up.” [Note: Captain Judd’s account of the shooting of a child is repeated.]
[Page 6] F Gassett, Supt. Humphries Co. reports Oct 13& ’66 [sic]
“I can state to you that the colored people is doing well and that there was no disturbance arising there last month in my county. . .”
J. N. Puckett, Supt Hickman Co. reported Oct 10th:
“The freedmen in my county are doing very well and all conducting themselves remarkably well. The prejudice heretofore existing on the part of the whites but still a great prejudice still exists in regard to colored is slowly giving way. Still I think it will be a dif[f]icult matter to organize a judicious or even a [page 7] partial system of education in this county for some time to come. I have not yet heard of any depredations having been committed by freedmen in my county for the last Twelve months, nor do I know of any difficulty having occurred when the freedmen have committed any thefts.”
Alfred Bearden Supt Lincoln Co reports Sept 3 ’66
“The freed persons are behaving themselves very well. The employers are also with a few exceptions from which I can learn disposed to deal fairly with them. This has been a bad crop year. . .”
Joshua Cobb Supt Montgomery Co reports Sept 30 ’66
“The state of feeling on the part of citizens toward freedmen favorable.”
J. H. Gregory Supt for Maury Co. reports Oct. 22 ’66.
“The freedmen generally are industrious and faithful to their contracts.”
While it would afford me the greatest pleasure to report a perfect harmony between the freedmen and whites of this county, it would [page 8] be wrong for me to attempt to disguise the fact that a strong prejudice still exists in the minds of the whites toward the blacks. . .
Moses C. West, Supt. Marshall Co. reports Oct. 8th 1866
“There has been no complaint of personal abuse in the last month. I fear that many of their employers may defraud the freedmen by taking advantage of their ignorance.”
Jesse Taylor, Supt Perry Co. reports October 10, [18]66.
“The freedmen in this county are doing well in every respect. There are no complaints from them or their employers. . . .”
[Page 12] Capt. Jas. M. Tracy, Supt. Rutherford Co. reports Oct. 1st 1866.
“There has been one trial to my knowledge before a Justice in this town. I was present at the trial — the case was there a gentleman employed a col.d woman and her children they worked six months having earned $75.00. [S]he claimed $28.00 as still due her, the white man refused to pay the amount claiming that she had violated her contract: she obtained a judgment for $20.00 this deduction was made on account of one of the boys failing to do good works as was proven and the matter refused to make her son do such work as required by her employer . . .”
C. M. Stewart, Supt. For Stewart Co. reports Oct. 9 [18]66.
“State of feeling good. [A]ll doing well.”
Thos. C. Trimble, Supt. Sumner Co. reports Oct 9th [18]66.
“I am happy to inform you that the Freedmen as [page 13] a general thing are doing their whole duty.”
John L. Fowler, Supt. Wayne Co. reports Sept 30th 1866.
“Feeling of citizens toward the Freedmen and the Bureau some prejudice existing throughout the county.”
Wm. Lowry, Supt. Warren Co. reports October 8th [18]66.
“Feeling of citizens toward the Freedmen and the Bureau some prejudice existing throughout the county.”
Wm. Lowry, Supt Warren Co. reports October 8th [18]66.
“The freedmen are doing very well and are generally very well satisfied.”