Report of the Joint select committee appointed to inquire into the condition of affairs in the late insurrectionary states, so far as regards the execution of laws, and the safety of the lives and property of the citizens of the United States and Testimony taken.

ALABAMA-SUB-COMMITTEE. 1431
Question. And yet, because you are a republican, you find this proscription wherever
you go?
Answer. Yes, sir; since 1869 I find it this way. In 1870, last fall, they wanted me to
run for the legislature, and I declined; and this fall they wanted me to run for taxcollector, and I accepted, and probably that has made a great many more enemies than
I would have had; but I do not know; there is not much difference from what it was
before.
Question. Do you feel, in your section of country, any apprehensions for your own
personal safety?
Answer. I do.
Question. From what cause?
Answer. Well; it is because I am a republican, and running for tax-collector.
Question. You have felt it more since then than before?
Answer. I have had my coffin marked out and sent to me. I have it in my house
now.
Question. On a letter?
Answer. Yes, sir; inclosed.
Question. What was the contents of that letter?
Answer. Well; a skull-bone on each side, and then marked out a coffin; and then on
it, " Caution; the contents of this is poison." I think those are the words.
Question. Was that all?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. By whom was it signed?
Answer. It was not signed, sir.
Question. Have you reason to believe it was put there by some one who knows you?
Answer. Yes, sir. I have traced the thing pretty close up.
Question. Such things have a tendency, do they not, to annoy you?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. And cause one to feel apprehensions?
Answer. Yes, sir; they of course cause a man to keep his eyes open, I do not like
to be caught napping; but there are several men who have volunteered to be with me
through the nights until this trouble is over. I have from four to twelve men in my
house every night, for the purpose of watching over my personal safety.
Question. You feel that is necessary to resort to such means, do you.?
Answer. I do; and still, I know, when I am testifying this, it makes it still hotter.
Question. Do you find it necessary to go armed for your own personal protection
and safety?
Answer. Yes, sir. I have applied to the judge of probate for the privilege of carrying arms, but have not received any answer from him.
Question. Do you know of any instance, in your part of the country, where freedom
of speech has been denied?
Answer. There was a man stopped speaking on account of a row. I do not know
whether his speech was finished or not; I cannot say. The gentleman can state
that himself.
Question. Was it under threatening circumstances that he stopped?
Answer. Yes, sir; it was rather threatening, I think.
Question. He stopped to avoid trouble and difficulty?
Aniswer. I thought so; he can tell more about that than 1 could.
By Mr. BLAIR:
Question. Who was that man?
Answer. Mr. Jones. He spoke at Shiloh. I was there, and listened to hisspeech; he
was very much annoyed.
By the CHAIRMAN:
Question. Do you refer to his speech at Shiloh?
Answer. Yes, sir.
By Mr. BUCKLEY:
Question. When was that?
Answer. In 1870.
Question. Did you hear it?
Answer. Yes, sir.
Question. Did you hear anything in the speech inappropriate?
Answler. No, sir.
Question. Anything inflammatory about it?
Answer. No, sir.
Question. Or calculated to excite a difficulty?
Answer. No, sir.