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[[stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamp]] I have the honor to report that I have as far as possible investigated the matter referred to in the enclosed communication. It does not appear to me that this evil can be rescinded in the way proposed. - Persons black or white should not be punished on suspicion of guilt, but have a right to a trial. - And if person guilty I think the power of the Freedman's Court sufficient to punish. - and leave no doubt it would be done. The laws as I am advised forbid a different punishment from being inflicted on the coloreds than on a white person - both can be punished, only as the statute provides. & I am not aware of any law by which a prostitute white or black can be "bound out to serve on plantations" A.W. Stone