◆ SpookStack

because of the type of investigation made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was reported to the Department of Justice tn June of 1940. The FBI Agents sent to investigate the charge against Hunter talked to Hunter as soon as they reached Brownsvitile and took him with them on their rounds to guestion witnesses, Quite naturally the Negroes would not ‘'talk' in front of Tip Hunter, who had already killed at least one Negro and run several others out of town.” This letter was ack- nowledged over Wendell Berge's signature on February li, 1942, | and stated in substance that facts did not justify prosecution. The letter did not make reference to the material quoted above nor was the letter called to the Bureau's attention. Facts: On the morning of June 29, 1940, the body of a Negro. named Aibert Filitams was found floating tn a river near Browns- ville, Tennessee. It appeared that prior to finding the body certain Negroes had gone to the election officials to inquire about voting tn the 1940 elections. Tip Hunter, then a night police officer who was later elected sheriff, was the principal subject, according to the allegations. On June 24, 1940, the’ Memphis office advised by teletype that the Assistant U. 8S. Attorney at Memphis had recetved Departmental instructions for . an investigation at Brownsville. The SAC advised that he would proceed uniess advised to the contrary. On June 29 a preliminary report was submitted and on July 11, 1940, the Department re- guested an active investigation. In November of 1940, the U. Se. Attorney at Memphis stated that no additienal inquiry was deemed necessary or practical. In December of that year the Department advised no further investigation was necessary. 6n January 23, 1942, the Attorney General's office advised the UY. S. Attorney to close the case. All Agents working on the case dented that Tip Hunter accompanied them on the investiga~ tion and Tip Hunter, when recently interutewed, dented he. accompanted the Agents. On September 24, 1947, Marshall directed a letter to the Bureau on this same case making the following charges: Allegation: Special Agents took Tip Hunter, the sheriff, along with them while questioning Negro witnesses. Facts: - This ts emphatically denied by @ll Agents and Tip . Hunter.