Viewing page 53 of 230

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

and give evidence for themselves; but this 
being contrary to the general Law of Evidence, I declined to hear their [strikethrough]] case [[/strikethrough]] testimony, when they were parties defendant - I have never thought of rejecting Negro evidence - and the Attorney for Defendants admitted that they had a fair and an impartial trial. There is another Justice of the Peace in the same Boat with me. He too has signified his willingness to act under said orders of Brig. Gen. Levayne. We both 
intend to receive Negro evidence just as 
we do the evidence of white persons, and
subject to the same rules - Said Freedman Green without giving Bond reposted to Mr C.W. Buckley of the Freedmans Bureau. Mr Buckley then sent me written orders by said Freedman, threatening me with a revocation of my appointment and telling the Freedman according to his statement, to go home and go to work. -
I submit the above facts to the consideration
of your Excellency.
With much respect, I am yours
S.W. Coleman

I was one of the attorneys in the above stated case. I know all the facts stated by S.W. Coleman to be true and correct, and I feel satisfied that during a practice of more than twelve years at the Bar, I have never witnessed a fairer and more impartial trial than the one above stated.
Chas S.G. Dasten