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to law. At the present time this mode of settlement is best for the freedmen for the prejudice against them is yet so strong in the Courts that fair or impartial justice will not be given them. Their testimony will be taken but by many of the Magistrates it is valued lightly. They, the Magistrates being elected by the whites pander to the worst prejudices of the electors so that they will retain their positions.

There is a law in this state which operates very seriously against the freedmen viz. the stay law which is that if a dishonest white man wishes to cheat the negro, he can do so.

If a freedman brings a suit into court, and which being so just and plain that even against their prejudice they, the Magistrates grant judgement in his the freedman's favor said judgement is almost worthless for the white man can appeal and after that can have it again stayed off, eight months, the freedman being so poor he is unable to wait that length of time, and therefore obliged to compromise at a ruinous lose or else loose it altogether.

I am Colonel,