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this office, by any duly authorized civil officer.

These cases were, subsequent to such interview, again referred successively to various magistrates located in this county; but said magistrates have, in each and every such case, refused to act; under various pleas, which may be enumerated as follows, viz.

I. That the Freedman were unable to pay the costs of prosecution.

II. That the civil authorities had no constabulary force with which to effect arrests.

III. That they were unwilling to come in contact with their neighbors, in actions between whites and freedman, where it would appear that the whites were wrong.

IV. That the remuneration was insufficient for the time necessary for the proper investigation of such cases as might be constantly presented.

On these and other grounds, of a similar nature, the civil authorities have declined to accept the provisions of Circular No. 10.; and there is; at present no protection for the Freedmen of this county other than such as may be afforded by the Bureau.

I am very respectfully
Your Obt. Servant.
Mont. S. Reed.
1. Lieut. V.R.C. Asst. Supt