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was present during the trial above described and pronounces the same one of the most disgusting that he ever witnessed in a civilized court. No Virginia jury as at present drawn will ever convict one of their peers for the murder of a union man or a freedman; to this end they seem pledged. I deem it needless to make any recommendation in this case. To rearraign this fugitive from justice would of course be a violation of the Constitution of the United States; which instrument operates in Virginia like Confederate bonds, the former allows the criminal to go unwhipped of justice, the latter in many cases defends the dishonest man who robs his creditor with impunity.

Very Respectfully,
Your Obdt Servant
Benj. C. Cook
Asst. Comr

Transcription Notes:
unable to transcribe signature with ? ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-12-08 12:36:34 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-12-08 14:32:12 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-12-08 15:38:57