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BUREAU R.F. and A.L
HEAD QUARTERS, 5th SUB-DISTRICT, VA.
Fort Monroe.VA. June 23d 1868

Respectfully referred to M. S. Reed A.S.A. Com'r for immediate investigation and report. In the absence of the Sub. Asst. Com'r
A.W.Weeks.
Act.Sub.Asst.Com'r 

[[Left margin]] 2.B. 120.V.4. [[/left margin]]

E.B. O.A.S.A.C. of D. 5. S.D.Va 1868. F'lo. 24. 
Rec'd. O.A.S.A.C. of D.5 S.D.Va. June 24-68.
E.B. O.A.S.A.C. of D.5 S.D.Va. 1868. F'lo. 25. 

Bureau R.F.A.L.
Offc. A.S.A.C. of the Div. 5th Sub Sist. Va.
Eastville June 25th. 1868.

Respectfully returned to Genl. S.C. Armstrong Sub. Asst. Com. 5th Sub Dist. Va., with the statement that the assertion contained in the within extract, to the effect that the evidence in both -over-
of the trials therein alluded to "was about the same" is erroneous; there being a marked difference in the nature of the testimony adduced in each issue. 
In the case of the colored man, Abel Anthony, charged eith rape upon Mary W. Matthews, white, (age 14), the evidence, both as to identity and circumstantial surroundings, appears to have been clear and explicit. No defence was made by Defendant (other than the plea of "not guilty"), although allowed, as counsel, by his, (Defd'ts.), own selection, one of the ablest attorneys in this Division. To all appearances his conviction and sentence to death by hanging, (to take effect July 24th, 1868), were the reasonable consequences of a fair and impartial trial. 
In the case of William Moore, white charged with rape upon the person of Sallie Powell- colored (age 13.), the evidence for the procecution, in several respects, was uncertain and conflicting; the proof of identity not being as clear  as in the first case; while the testimony, both for the prosecution and defence, was not devoid of a tendency to create doubt, as evidenced in the failure of the jury to agree; in consequences of which they were discharged and the prisoner, (Moore), remanded, for a new trial before the court which convenes the first Monday in July next.  over.
It is believed that the civil authorities have honestly endeavored to administer even handed justice in each of these trials. 
Mont. S. Reed
A.S.A.Com.

[[stamp]] Hd Qr's Supt 5th Dist Jun 27 1868 RECEIVED [[/stamp]] 

Transcription Notes:
Capital "M" has a flourish that looks like an "e" after it. ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-12-01 20:07:38