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At a Monthly Court held for Nansemond County, the 9th day of April 1866.
The Court having taken into careful and sincere consideration the order No 10, issued by O. Brown, Colonel and Assistant Commissioner have come to the following conclusions— That this court is willing to consider all criminal cases where negroes are concerned, and to try the same fairly according to the laws of Virginia, under which they hold their office— But as this order No 10 contemplates a system of espionage on the  actions of the court, implying that they are not disposed to do justice to the negro, and as the acts of the Court may be secretly report, and an improper and prejudiced view given of their acts, and calculated to lead to conflict; Therefore this Court respectfully decline to take cognizance of any such cases until they can do so free and untrammelled — And that when they can do so, they declare themselves ready to discharge this duty as all others, according to the Laws of the land. 

A Copy:
Teste
(signed) Peter B. Prentis, Clerk

Official Copy
Garrick Mallery
Lt Col. V.R.C. Inspector