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28

It is a noticable fact, in my District, that, in all difficulties between the races, the whites have been the aggressors. I know of no exceptions. In what solitary case have the freedmen, by interfering with the whites, abused their new liberty? Then who are the most worthy of freedom with all its attendant privileges?

The civil courts are not adapted to the freedmen. A man who steals a small pig cannot, usually, get bail, and lies in jail perhaps four months before final trial. A girl appropriates a few potato tops, and may be imprisoned for an equal period, for want of surety. Those who can get bail are the exception; this disadvantage the freedmen see, and feel keenly.

I believe [[strikethrough]] in [[/strikethrough]] the continuance of the Bureau desirable; — it is a moral power that is greatly felt; — it prevents more than it forcibly suppresses.

The freedmen stretch out their arms to the government not for "bread and games" but for help and justice; without the Bureau they will receive neither.

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-07-16 13:20:43