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Office Asst. Supt. R. F. and A. L.
Northampton Co. Virginia
April 30th 1866

Captain:-

I have the honor to make report as follows on the conditions of affairs in this county for April 1866.  During the month the condition of the Freedmen has changed for the better, the weather being less inclement, and the demand for labor giving opportunity to all who are able and willing the means of procuring a livelihood.  No destitutes are now supported by the Govt. through the Bureau, the County taking them in charge, and treating them in the same manner as white paupers.  Since Feb. 28th no cases either criminal or civil have come before the Court of Conciliation for trial, and since that date but one colored man has been arraigned for trial before the civil authorities.  The one case was that of a colored man named Fisher, on a charge of larceny.  Fisher employed as Counsel Miers W. Fisher a prominent and influential citizen of the County, and on an examination before a magistrate the accused was discharged from arrest.  To the great credit of the Freedmen, but one of their number has been convicted on a criminal charge since any assignment here, on the 12th day of Nov. 1865, and in no instance has suit been instituted against a Freedman for non payment.

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