Record Data
Reprinted in Edward McPherson (ed.), The Political History of the United States During the Period of Reconstruction (From April 15, 1865 to July 15, 1870) .... (Washington D.C.: Solomons and Chapman, 1875), 309.
Transcription
The following text is presented here in complete form, as it originally appeared in print. Spelling and typographical errors have been preserved as in the original.
Headquarters District Of Florida, Assist. Adj. General's Office, Tallahassee, Fla., September 20, 1866.
General: I have the honor to make the following semi-monthly report of the condition of affairs in this district:
The state of feeling toward the government and Union and northern men has not improved since my last report, and there have been indications that the old bitter feeling engendered by the war still rankles in the hearts of many of the old secessionists, and that it will find vent in words and actions as soon as a favorable opportunity offers.
In this town, the intendant, assuming that the proclamation of the President, of August 20, fully restored the supremacy of the civil law over the military, essayed to arrest soldiers and employees of the United States, while in the performance of their duties, for trifling infractions of the municipal ordinance. I was obliged to order him peremptorily to desist. To allow the State or municipal authorities the power of arresting and trying our officers and soldiers will be to give into the hands of our late enemies the power of retaliation for past injuries and present dislikes. I therefore hope that the supremacy of the military in all matters of conflict between the United States and municipal authorities, and in all actions under express laws of Congress, may be preserved.
I have some trouble in carrying out the provisions of the " homestead law;" in some localities combinations have been formed to resist the settlement of the negroes, and to drive them off.
The freedmen are doing well.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. G. Foster,
Bvt. Maj. Gen. U. S. Army.
