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Bureau of R.F and A.L. Sub District No 8 7th District Va Alleghany Bath and Rockbridge Counties Hd Qrs Lexington Va October 31st 1866 Bt Brig'd Gen'l O. Brown A.A.A.G. General I have the honor to report that J.C. Johnson who is undoubtedly the murderer of Patrick Thompson (Freedman) was tried before a "call court" during the present week at which court five of the county magistrates presided, and that he (Johnson) has been acquited, The "court" did not state any reason for acquiting Johnson. When called upon for their decision in the matter after a few moments consultation the presiding magistrate (Hugh Barclay) simply remarked - The prisoner is discharged - In my letter to you of the 22d inst. I stated that I did not believe a jury could be summoned in the county who would convict Johnson of murder - but I had no idea that the court or board of magistrates would assume the responsibility of discharging Johnson. The prosecuting attorney after hearing the decision of the court was dumbfounded and retired immediately to his office where in the presence of his son and myself he pronounced the thing a "damned outrage"
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Reopened for Editing 2023-08-01 12:11:31