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and families.  It is not only in criminal cases that they seek my advice and counsel as a lawyer, but also in misunderstandings between them and their employees growing out of contracts of hire &c.  As I before remarked very few of them have any money, and an attorney who lives by his profession can not in justice to himself give them his services without pay.

What I wish to suggest for your consideration is, the employment of an attorney by your Bureau in every county to attend to the interest of the freedman, both in civil and criminal matters; I am satisfied from my own observation that such a course would be of more real service to the freedman, than any thing that could be done for them in their present ignorant and destitute condition; such action would insure that their rights of person and property would be protected, and I know it would meet with their hearty approbation, & that they would be very grateful for such a provision for them.

I attend the courts of Albemarle, Louisa Goochland & Fluvanna regularly, & would