r, for as sure as there is a God in heaven, if they are
found in your houses, just so sure will your houses be burned to the
ground; and I hope to God every one of you who keep good arms or
military property of any kind in your houses will be hanged; and you
will, too.

* * * * *

'But I want you to go home and work hard and take care of your
families. Work early and late, and get up at night and see if your
crops are growing. Above all things avoid political discussions. If
any man says "nigger" to you, swear that you never knew or saw one in
your life. We have talked about the niggers for forty years, and have
been out-talked. We have fought four years for the niggers, and have
been d----d badly whipped, and now it is not "your put." The Yankees
have won the nigger and will do what they please with him, and you
have no say in the matter. If they want him they will take him; and if
they say that you must keep him, you have to do it, and no mistake. I
tell you that you have no say in the matter, and you oughtn't to have
any. Go home and stay there. Don't go anywhere but to mill. Don't go
to church, for the minister will put knots and mischief in your heads,
and get you into trouble. Be good citizens, and then those of you who
have been good, honest and brave soldiers need have nothing to fear;
but I warn those of you who have been nothing but sneaking, cowardly
jayhawkers, cutthroats and thieves, that a just retribution awaits
you, and I hope to God that the federal authorities will hang you,
wherever and whenever they find you, and they will do it, sure.

* * * * *

'Do not complain if you are not permitted to have a voice in elections
and civil affairs. You have forfeited all such rights, and it now
becomes you to submit to such laws and regulations as the federal
authorities may deem proper to enact. I believe and know that they
will do the best they can for you, especially if you show henceforth
that you now desire to merit their confidence by strict obedience to
the laws where you may reside.

'We are conquered and subjected; we have no rights, but must accept
such privileges and favors as the government may see proper to bestow
upon us. Again I say, go home; attend to your business, and try to
raise a new generation of boys that shall become better men than you
have been.'

"Jeff. Thompson