The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1866-01-06
The FEgednga 3 - corrs..
pOndence.


The following correspondence. while
written with references to its BEARING an one.
locality, is Of character to suggest the pro-
priety Of publishing It, as the response
covers a wide latitude, being general in its
application We omit the name of the local
agent who addresses General Fisk:
Brig. Gen. O. B. Fisk-Dear Sir. As
have seen no law upon which can rely. to
guide me IN certain cases, you viii excuse
me for asking you the following questions
First When q white man is Justly owing
freedman for work and labor done, and 1
give Judgment against him for the same and
he refuses to pay, what shall be my course
to enforce the same
Secondly. Where q white man is fined BY
me. for cruelty beating freedman, and he
refuses to pay said fine, what shall be my
course to enforce the same 2
Thirdly. Where a person Is owing a freed
man for work DONG, and I order him to APP
pear before me and be refuses to obey the
summons, what shall be my course
FouTthly. When negroes are coming in
| possession Of arms, what shall be my
course
Fifaly.. Are there any. eases in.whieh yOu
would suffer a freedman to be whipped?
/ SiXthly. What shall I do with negroes
who. are reYing about over the country, cor
Tupting other negroes, and cannot be con
/ trOlled? We have a few such among US.
| Your early attention to the above inferno
cations IS respectfully requested. Lo-e
| ASSISTANT COMMISSIONED OFFICE, Nash.
vile, Tenn, December 13, 1865.-Sir I
have the honor to acknowledge the receipt
Of your favor Of the 18th. ana to replv IS
| follows: E
Question What shall be my. course to en-
force a judgment for debt
! Answer: You WILL after giving reason
able time, seize and sell the debtors pro
perry.
Q. When a white man is fined for beating
a freedman and he refuses to pay the fine
how shall enforce payment
! A. Hold him in arrest until he pays it
and II he still refuses put him in Jail.
/ Q-When4 order a white man to appear to
: ,cnswcr a claim for debt due freedman and
he r. uses 70 appear, what am l to do Z?
A. You will aaIrest and fine him, for con
tempt.
4. Treat every one :olike. You cannot
disarm the negroes when white men OF
every class are allowed to carry ans.
Q. What about whipping as a PUNISH
ment for crime
! a. Mol Let the lash be laid aside for
ever. All civilized nations have discarded
it. It's use would disgrace the American
name. Should any one attempt to use it on
any of his labOrers in your county you will
punish it severely.
@ what shall1I do with rowing and va
| grant negroes
a Treat them just as the law treats
white Migrants. Let freedmen know that
you are the friend and protector of the in
dustrious but the enemy and puhisher of
the dishonest and Yagrant1~
| lou may ask How am l to obtain officers
| to enforce my orders Select civil officers
in the county if you can find such as will
enforce your processes if not, appoint Off
GERS from among civilians. If yOu cannot
find such apply for military aid. You are
in the service Of the United States, and its
whole power is pledged to sustain you in the
discharge of your duty am, Sir, very
/ respectfully, your Obedient servant,
/ CLINTON B. FISK,
Bry't Maj. Gen and Asst Com for Ken
lucky and Tennessee.