OCTOBER 24, 1864:
The Adjutant General of
the State of Texas corresponds with the Governor, Pendleton Murrah, expressing
concern about abuses of power by local Sheriffs, who are arresting slaves
working for the State and then refusing to release them except for payment of
“fines” in gold and silver:
I desire most earnestly
to invite your attention to another matter connected with the military
administration in this District. Many instances have recently occurred of
vexatious arrests and detentions of slaves in government employment. Upon
demand being made by officers acting under my orders, Sheriffs persistently
refuse to surrender these negroes except upon the payment of the fees in
specie[.]
As the military chest does not contain a
dollar in metalic [sic] currency, it is entirely out of my power to comply with
the demand. The consequence is that a considerable number of such negroes are
held in confinement in the different jails of the State, and I am powerless to
procure their liberation, except by the employment of force, which my respect
for the laws of the State, even when perverted to the injury of a sacred cause,
does not permit me to employ.
Under these
circumstances, I have every reason to believe, that your Excellency, whose
attention has been already directed to this subject, will recommend to the
Legislature now in Session such amendment of the present laws as you may deem necessary.
