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Division of Nansemond and Isle of Wight Counties. 
Nansemond & Isle of Wight Counties

1st The general condition of the Freedmen is very good, they are generally at work and of all the cases in jail in Nansemond Co, none belong to the County. 

2nd The chance of impartial justice before the County and Circuit Courts is fair, but before single magistrates very slender. The Reconstruction Act, however, has caused a marked improvement in this respect. There is a strong inclination on the part of the magistrates to prefer a white man's suspicion to a black man's oath, and although black testimony is not refused in cases where it is competent yet very little credence is given to it by magistrates and juries.

3rd The marriage Register is incomplete, but in fair way of completion. The four paragraphs of Circular 11. have been  carried out as fully as practicable. 

4th The authorities in both Counties are ready to take care of all the indigent who were residents before the War. The means for doing so are ample and the Alms Houses contain ample accommodations

5th The supply of labor is sufficient for the regular demands. Only those persons who treat their employees harshly find difficulty in getting laborers.
 
6th There are four schools already established and doing well, two of which are in Nansemond and two in Isle of Wight Co. Two more are needed, one at Chuckatuck Nansemond Co,  and one at Carsville Isle of Wight Co.  

The office records, as far as kept, are in good condition and according to the forms required by the Bureau Office Manual X. More blank books are needed to make the records complete X. The Agent  

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-11-08 16:15:05