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Raleigh N.C. Feb 16th 1866

Col
I am of the opinion that the Freedman Knight should not be compelled to have recourse to a civil tribunal for his remedy for the following reasons

1st The bona fide holder of a promissory note can sue in his own name when it is endorsed in blank or is non strictly negotiable

2nd the holder of a note cannot make one if the name of an endorsed against his consent.

In the first case the freedman becomes a "Party to the Record" and in case a set off or recoupment or any other defense should be placed the testimony of the Black Man could not be heard  I even doubt the admissibility of proof of the filling up of the blank by the negro in case he wishes to sue in his own name of proof of his acts or acts of those who Finneas in Lein with him