Page: [1]
Bureau. R., F. & A. L. [Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands]
Albany, Ga. [Georgia], Sept [September] 20." [twentieth] 1868
Col. [Colonel] J. R. Lewis.[unclear text: U.S.A.]
Atlanta, Ga. [Georgia]
Col. [Colonel]
I hurry Mr Schlotfeldt off with the fullest accounts I can command of the affair at Camilla, I believe the account I send you, to be correct without any exaggeration.
I wished to come up myself, but I dare not leave the freedmen here to themselves. If any one can prevent them from going to Camilla en masse I can do it, therefore, I remain here.
Unless vigorous measures are instituted, and troops are stationed here for the protection of all parties, there will be much
Page: [2]
bloodshed. I cannot restrain the people.
It will be useless for me to attempt to block the way of thousands, for any length of time, I must protect my family and let the contending parties fight it out.
It is coming
I have sent the Doctor to attend to the wounded.
Respy [Respectfully] & Truly Yours
(signed)
[Signed] O. H. Howard
A true copy
M Frank Gallagher
Bt. Capt [Brevet Captain] . U.S.A. [United States of America]
A. A. A. G.