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"These Courts are apparently working admirably. I know or hear of no complaints whatever. They are in full cooperation with the Civil Authorities, and, from the late disastrous experiment with the Civil Courts, are looked upon, if not as a positive good, at least as the least evil.

I feel bound to state that, in my opinion, the change ordered in Letter of Instructions No 5. C.S. from Office of Asst. Comr. will severely damage the efficiency and dignity of the Freedmen's Courts in this District, and cause bitterness of feeling between the races as well as difficulty between the Bureau and the great hostile classes on the Peninsula.

Also former composition of these Courts was a Magistrate of the County, who, with the Asst: Superintendent, should select a Third party, and those two with the Asst: Superintendent, should constitute the Court.

I respectfully submit that this plan has been successful, and ask for such modification of instructions as will allow of its continuance.

Very Respectfully, Your Obt: Servt,
In the absence of the Asst: Comr
(Sigd) O. Brown
Bvt Brig: Genl: & A.A.A. Genl

Official
Garrick Mallery
A.A.A. Genl.

(2d Vol. Folio 203)
Richmond. Va, October 11th 1866

Howard Major Genl O.O.
Commissioner &c.

Genl:

I have the honor to forward herewith, copies of Telegram in relation to a murder in Lexington.

I would respectfully request that the Asst Comr of Mississipi be instructed to arrest J. C. Johnson

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under G.O. No 44. A.G.O. if he goes to Greenwood, and to hold him subject to requisition from the Governor of Virginia.

Very Respectfully,
Your Obt: Servant,
In the absence of the Asst: Comr:
(Sig'd) O. Brown
Bvt: Brig: Genl & A.A.A.G.

Official
Garrick Mallery
A.A.A.G.

(2d Vol. Folio 204)
Richmond, Va. Oct 13th 1866

Howard Major Genl O.O.
Commissioner.

General,

I have the honor to forward herewith, Extract from the monthly report of Captain William L. Tidball, Asst: Supt: of Albemarle County.

It is not known that anything can be done in this or similar cases, but the case well illustrates how equal laws for whites and blacks can be executed.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt: Servant.
In the absence of the Asst Commr
(Sigd) O. Brown
Bvt: Brig: Genl. & A.A.A.G.

Official
Garrick Mallery
A.A.A.G.

(2d Vol. Folio 205)
Richmond, Va. October 13th 1866.

Howard Major Genl O.O.
Commissioner.

General,

I have the honor to enclose the following application for back pay &c. Viz
Nancy Ricks, widow of Joshua Ricks, first class boy, on board U.S.S. "Genessee." Aplication and proof of cohabitation enclosed.

I am, General,
Very Respectfully,

(2 Enclosures)

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