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1st Division - Norfolk Co.

Norfolk Co.
{Including also Wise Farm situated in Princess Anne County}
1st General condition of the Freedmen fair. 

2nd Previous to the passage of the Reconstruction Act the chances for justice at the hands of the civil Authorities in cases when blacks were interested against whites was very slight in the majority of the cases. Since the passage of that Act the officers of the civil courts, conscious of their dependence upon the Military power, have been more disposed to render strict and impartial justice. It is still, however, very difficult to obtain justice in such cases from juries who are generally influenced more or less by the prejudice of race. 

3rd Register of Marriages nearly complete, probably as complete as it is practicable to make it. The four paragraphs of Circular No. 11 have been carried out faithfully as far as can be as ascertained from the records of the office and by inquiry -.

4th The cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth and the County at large have expressed a willingness to provide for all the destitute who resided within their limits before the War, without distinction of color, but decline on account of their financial inability, to support the poor who have come from abroad. The means for supporting those when they design to aid are inadequate and the Alms House is crowded. 

5th The supply of labor is rather in excess of the demand -. 

6th The condition of the schools is excellent. This Division is better supplied with schools than any other in the Sub Dist, but by no means adequately supplied. A high school for colored children is much needed in the city of Norfolk -.