July 11, two men took a woman off the same boat and threw her in the river. This woman had a coop, with some chickens. They threw all in together, and told her to go to the damned Yankees. The woman was drowned. There are regular patrols posted on the rivers, who board some of the boats; after the boats leave they hang, shoot or drown the victims they may find on them, and all those found on the roads or coming down the river are most invariably _murdered_. This is only a few of the murders that are committed on the helpless and unprotected freedmen of the above-named counties. All the cases I have mentioned are _authentic_, and _numerous_ witnesses will testify to all I have reported. _Murder with his ghastly train stalks abroad at noonday and revels in undisputed carnage_, while the bewildered and terrified freedmen know not what to do. To leave is death; to remain is to suffer the increased burden imposed on them by the cruel taskmaster, whose only interest is their labor _wrung_ from them by every device an inhuman ingenuity can devise. Hence the lash and murder are resorted to to intimidate those whom fear of an awful death _alone_ causes to remain, while patrols, negro dogs, and spies (disguised as Yankees) keep _constant_ guard over these unfortunate people. I was in Washington county in the latter part of June, and there learned there was a disposition to _coerce_ the labor of these people on plantations where they had always been abused. I was alone, and consequently could not go where my presence was most required, but I learned enough then to convince me there were many grievances which required military power to redress. Since my return I have been attentive to the recital of the horrors which these people suffer, and have carefully perused their statements, which receive corroborate testimony. I have been careful in authenticity, and very much that has been related to me I have declined accepting as testimony, although I believe its truth. The history of all these cases, besides others, I have in full, with all their horrible particulars. Believing, sir, you required the earliest intelligence in this matter, I concluded not to await your arrival. With much respect, I am, sir, your obedient servant, W.A. POILLON, _Captain and Ass't. Sup't. Freedmen_. Brig. Gen. SWAYNE. A true copy of the original deposited in this office. CHARLES A. MILLER, _Major and A.A.A. General_. No. 23. Vicksburg, Mississippi, _July_ 8, 1865. Captain: I have the honor to report that, in compliance with Special Orders No. 5, Headquarters Sub-district Southwest Mississippi, I proceeded to the counties of Madison, Holmes, and Yazoo, but that I did not reach Issaquena from the fact that the country between Yazoo City and that county has been so overflowed as to render the roads impassable.