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suffice to say, that five appeals have been made against injust convictions. In the case of Halis against three freedmen for Perjury, they were found guilty, but have appealed through thier counsel (Porter), the appeal in this case is more on the ruling of the Judge on points of Law. There has been several sentenced to prison for terms ranging, from 6 months, to 3 years; In these cases, although I do not think but what predjudice was shown against them, yet it was evident that they were guilty. But sir, let us look at these cases which have appealed. can we expect that the court of appeals will do different from this court where a freedman is concerned? I think not. We have had since decisions from higher courts where the freedmen were concerned and we know they that they were decided against Law and Justice; then can we reasonably suppose that they would decide in a Blackmans favor! No sir, the only thing and way that they can get justice will be by the United States Government takeing those persons under their immediate protection, as regards law I see that it is perfectly useless for us to suppose that the courts will do better and I respectfully ask that if possible the cases mentioned be investigated under United States Authority.

There is another matter that I shall call your attention to, and that is this of sueing out cross cases. at this court, Bennett Gordon, (Planter) was indicted for assault and battery on a freedwoman, he makes a cross indictment for assault against her, the cases are both tried before the jury and they clear Gordon and convict the woman, although he acknowledged, that he