Report filed by Bureau subcommissioner Fielding Neale about harassment of Thomas W. Stringer‘s church congregation in Vicksburg, September 5, 1866. (Freedmen’s Bureau Records of the Assistant Commissioner, Mississippi (M826), Roll 15, Letters Received, Vol 002, Jan 1866-Feb 1867)
HEADQUARTERS
Bureau Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands.
District of Mississippi.
Office Sub-Commissioner,
District of Vicksburg,
Vicksburg, Miss., Sept 5th, 1866.
Bvt Major A W Preston
A A A Gen Bu R F and A L
Office Asst Comner Vicksburg Miss
Major
I have the honor to submit the following Report of a wanton outrage, the particulars of which reached these Hd Qrs this day.
I believe the details have been accurately stated. THe case as represented challenges investigation. It would appear to involve both an audacious defiance of Public decency and a shameless perversion of delegated authority
The Complainant Thomas Stringer, Minister of the African Methodist Episcopal Church – Monroe Street Vicksburg States that on the 4th inst his Congregation met for religious worship at their Church and were so engaged at 9. PM.
That during the service a Policeman entered the Church and ordered the congregation to disperse
On being asked by what authority he acted the Policeman replied that “a man sent him”. Further Inquiry failed to elicit the “man’s” name. The Policeman however persisted, and the congregation was dispersed.
Next day Complainant applied to the Mayor of the City stated the case and asked for redress. The Mayor was strictly courteous and non committal. A patient hearing was accorded but no promise of redress was given, nor any assurance of future protection extended.
Placed in a position which promises neither indemnity for the Past nor security for the Future the complainants seeks at these Hd Qrs the protection denied by the Civil Authority, the claim to which he cannot enforce.
Believing the Complainant fully Entitled to the assistance which he asks for himself and his congregation
I am Major
very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
Fielding Neale
Lt V R C and Sub Comner