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Office A.S.A.C BRF&AL 2d Sub Dist Va
Bowling Green Caroline Co Va Nov 7, 1867
Bvt Lt Col James Johnson
Sub Asst Commissioner
Colonel
Adverting to your communication of Nov 4th I have the honor to state that in my October report in compliance with Circular No 10 Hd Qrs Asst Comr. March 12th 1866, when I said the endorsement of Maj Genl Terry was not complied with I spoke generally. I cannot point to any Magistrate who has not complied with it. I have continued to make the same remark on nearly all my reports. There is a difference of opinion between myself and the Magistrates as to the meaning of said Circular. I hold that under the Circular no Freedman should be arrested and brought before a Magistrate for committal to Jail, or to bail &c, without first being allowed sufficient time and opportunity to notify me. The Magistrates say that they understand it to mean That no person of color will be examined or brought to trial before the Courts &c. I reported on this case in May 1866 and recd no instructions. I would respectfully ask now are the Magistrates right, or am I right in the meaning of said Circular. If the Magistrates are right, I am present at all County or Circuit Court in this Div
I am Colonel 
Very respectfully
Your obdt servt
John O'Dwyer Bvt Col 
A.S.A.C