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Bureau R-F & A.L. Magnolia Jan 3rd 1866

Brig. Gen. Allan Rutherford
Supt. Bu. R-F & A.L. So: Dist. N.C:

General
I have the honor to reply to yours of the 22nd ult. by stating that the arrest of Buffalo was made upon a precept issued by the Co. Solicitor of Duplin Co. All the evidence I have been able to obtain is to the effect that he was merely bound over for his appearance at the next term of the Court and he pledged his property to secure the bondsman who is holder for the property upon his appearance. The Court convenes on the 3rd Monday of this month.

I beg respectfully to state that I did not reply to yours of 26th Nov. as it contained an express order for me to attend the court and report the case in full to you.

I do not imagine that there would be any danger in his returning though I presume Brice would expect him to do the labor as it was "nominated in the bond." Brice is known here as a close fisted sharp man but I have never heard his honesty doubted

It is however remarkably easy for a very mean man to be a trifle dishonest and it may be so in this case. Sherriff McMillan however is considered one of our best citizens.

I have no doubt that Buffalo will be acquitted so far as the Court is concerned but with due respect to N.C. her jury box is the biggest humbug that ever disgraced the name of justice. No qualification is needed but to be a Freeholder and I have seen plenty of men in the Jury Box in my Sub-Dist. who could neither read nor write and whom I would not have determine a case of mine if I cared not which way it went

I shall take occasion to confer with Judge Pearsall in this