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2
Freedmen, and their employers who recognize the authority of Officers of the "Bureau" almost universally abide by the decisions and orders from that source - But in many instances they, especially the employers, will not obey a summons to trial unless they are sure such trial, will result favorably to them -

The manner of punishing crimes in the Civil Courts is in accordance with the Penal Code of Alabama of 1865-6. Although the Code named makes no distinction on account of Color - the Blacks seem to suffer from it more on account of ignorance and bad habits contracted in times of Slavery - Justice is partially secured to them in the Civil Courts by the right of testimony in cases between white & Black and Black & Black - The lack of comprehending an oath and the habit of deceit so prevalent among Freedmen places even the upright among them in an unfortunate position in this connection.

The results of the free labor system as has been applied is a success to both freedman and Employer - The exceptions are when the Freedman associates illness and crime with the idea of Freedom - and when the Employer is not capable of understanding the rights of the Freedman on account -

Transcription Notes:
I added the "2" at the top of the page.