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in consequence of which it was claimed that Perkins should be tried under the Civil rights law, but which trial has never yet been had, so far as I am advised.

In this case Perkins was indicted and able counsel was assigned him by the Court. He desired to enter the plea of guilty, and so expressed himself in court, but the state not having all the witnesses present that had been subpoened in the case, the Court would not permit him to do so:

I have been witness repeatedly to the exertions made by Counsel thus assigned in defence of such persons; and in some cases I know of acquittals that unquestionably would have been convictions had the parties on trial been of the white race.  To the ears of persons who have been taught to believe that the people of the South are exasperated at, and wish to oppress, the negro, this may appear strange; yet it is true.  The great mass of our people (and I am sure the same sentiment has due weight with the Judiciary) feel a sympathy for the negro, and as jurors make a due allowance for his situation, and the temptations by which he has been beset in consequence of sudden emancipation.

I would not be understood as asserting that this is true of every person, or every section, but it is the general feeling entertained by a great majority of our people.  Nor would I be understood as asserting that in every case where negroes have been convicted that a due regard has been had for their situation and ignorance, or that strict and impartial justice has in every instance been meted out to them.

I deem it proper in this connection, as controverting