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Augusta Georgia January 7 1866

Maj. Genl. O O Howard 
Commissioner Freedmen Bureau
Washington City. D.C.

Sir
By your request I have the honor to make the following statement in reference to the condition of the Freedmen in this section of the state. 

I feel myself authorised in stateing as my opinion, that the trial by Jury of freedmen fail to do justice to that class of people. While it is true in all cases in this state where a person is charged with an offence against the Criminal law of this state, and when up for trial, [[strikethrough]] and [[/strikethrough]] is unable to procure councel, that councel be assigned him by the Judge; This where all parties in law equal; would be well, but when you take into consideration the circumstance of the col'd man in comparison with the white man; particularly when the one has been so recently releived from bondage; which though done away with, leaves an influence not easily to overcome.

The White man who has been master, and the col'd man who has been a slave. The Negro never before call'd on to provide for himself. They eat what was provided for Them, by their owners and done the labour assigned them. The orders of their owners was the black mans law.