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resisted and nearly murdered, took no notice of this terrible outrage, and it was with difficulty I got a warrant at all. And in four attempts for a judicial examination, a mere mockery has been the result. I finally succeeded in getting it to the Circuit Court, the seventh of this present month, Judge Chambers presiding. All the foregoing facts as to the murderous attack upon me, and my terrible injuries were fully proved — and no extenuating fact proved, or possible excuse made to justify it. The verdict of the jury was — 20 (twenty) days in County jail, and $50- fifty dollars fine! While by the laws of Virginia, such a crime should be punished by ten years in the Penitentiary. I trust Judge Chambers is so high-minded and honorable that he would verify these facts if interrogated.  I think he is now at Petersburg.

Strange as it may seem, it is by the doings and efforts of members of the County Court, that all this terrible corruption exists. I do not say they were all privy to it in the outset - I think not more than five of them were - but in the present state of this horrid affair, they all act in concert in self-defense. The members of this court - 24 in number - are probably worth near one million dollars - and their reputation and property both being at stake, they will resort to any means, however base and corrupt, against me- and unless I can have help from some power that is above

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-10-12 08:50:25 confirmed the questionable word (base) ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-10-13 11:15:28