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discharge any duties in that connection. These officers and other prominent citizens to whom I have shown the Circular, esteem it as a measure of the highest importance, especially calculated to produce a reformation very greatly needed in society. And I incline to the belief that while it will improve the moral and social condition of the freedmen, it will increase the respect already entertained for them by the more observing and thoughtful of the white citizens.

A few days since I saw it stated in the newspaper, that a Circular of the Bureau, or a general order of the Major General commanding this Department, gives jurisdiction to the civil courts, in all cases where freedmen are charged with crime or misdemeanor - a measure that will be productive of much good in this community. A few cases of theft and assault have been brought to my notice, and while I had power to punish by fine or imprisonment, I had to content myself with a reprimand or a conviction and suspension of judgment, not having any control of the prison, or power to collect a fine where there was no property. No high crime has been committed by a freedman, and the fear of punishment by the civil courts will, I hope, prevent any in future. I think it will deter from the commission

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