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L124
Houston, April 13. 1867.

Maj. Genl. Griffin

Dear Sir
A letter from Judge Watson received this morning, leaves me at liberty to say that which might not have been proper a few days since. I express to you my thanks for listening to my defence. If the report to you had been true, my removal would have been just and proper. I can only repeat that it is untrue in all its parts, in all its bearings. On the Contrary I felt grateful that you had acted on my suggestion, as it relieved me from a painful position and I hoped it would add to the proper administration of justice in be half of the freedman. Altho their cases were well alluded to in court by the Counsel assigned Their interest required they should be consulted in Jail whatever defence they had, should be attended to, and witnesses looked up, and brought into court.

When I entered upon the duties of criminal Judge I felt that justice should be administered to these people in mercy. Their moral training had not been such as to make them understand the great change that had taken place in their status in society. I felt too that for petty crimes, their punishment should be more mild than that of the white race, because the last had been better trained, understood the laws, and had less excuse for violating them. The jurors I was pleased