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made by the planter during the years, Such advances being recorded upon the books of the Planters would certainly be received by any Magistrate (should the the negro feel himself wronged and appeal to one for for justice) as evidence. 

The authenticity of the record would not be required to be substantiated as the word of the white man is sufficient in all business matters with the negro in this locality. The presence of one clothed with authority alone constrains the planters from practicing this injustice upon the ignorant negro at the present time. 

2nd I think it sheer nonsense to suppose for one moment that the negro could receive justice before civil tribunals, He may in case, which are carried before a Circuit or a District Court or higher authority, because the proceedings in such cases, are generally made public and it would be determined to the interests of the civil officers of the law not to accord him justice. but in cases not made public which are adjudicates at this office ever day, and which would come before a local Office or a Magistrate (were there no Bureau) the black men would not receive justice. To the best of my knowledge I dont know of but one magistrate in this Bureau District, who would dispense the law justly to the negro. A magistrate in this Bureau Dist. last summer had arrested and sent to jail upon experts testimony a hard working industrious negro, upon the chard of killing a cow. The negro was incarcerated fourteen days, before the matter was brought to the notice of this office, when