34
GOVERNOR SWANN'S ENDORSEMENT.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, MARYLAND,
31 July, 1866.

The within is referred to the Attorney General, with request
that he promptly take such steps or recommend such action
as may carry out the requirements of the laws, and afford
the amplest protection to the Freedmen.

The Governor will cordially co-operate in such action as
will promptly meet the ends of justice, prevent the recurrence
of similar acts of violence, and render the interposition of the
military unnecessary.

[Signed] THOMAS SWANN.

STATE OF MARYLAND, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

Annapolis, 22 Aug., 1866.
MAJOR GENERAL O. O. HOWARD, U. S. V., Commissioner, &c.

SIR,—I received your communication some time since,
enclosing a copy of a letter from Major W. L, Van Derlip,
Superintendent, &c., at Annapolis, transmitting a letter of
Justice W. R. Thompson, who states that one Ed. Baldwin,
Constable, refused to arrest upon his warrant, certain parties
charged by Fred Sharpe, (colored) with assaulting him, and
stating that Major Van Derlip requests that a military force
be sent to make arrests, &c., &c.

A severe domestic affliction has prevented an earlier reply
to this communication.

In your endorsement of this letter you say "Respectfully
referred to His Excellency Governor Swann. I have had a
conversation with General Grant with regard to this case,
and we both agreed that if there is a posibility of justice
being secured without military interference, that it is better
that such interference should not take place. If the officials
are so paralysed by a wrong public sentiment that they
cannot exercise their trust and make requisition for aid, it
will be afforded. Please, dear sir, see if something cannot be
done to sustain the Magistrate."

Immediately on receipt of these papers, I referred the
whole subject to the Attorney General of the State, himself