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therefore many informal contracts made, which are as unlawful as they are unjust. Where such cases have been brought to my notice I have amended them. The Civil Courts always unfavorable to the poor man, who cannot employ counsel, is looked upon as a means of oppression by the Freedmen. They are distrustful of counsel and court alike knowing as they say they do, that the men composing the court as well as the practicing lawyers aided in the endeavor to overthrow the government in order that the claims of slavery may be more securely fastened. In one instance has a magistrate neglected to give time, or opportunity to notify the Asst. Supt. of the examination of a Freedman in a criminal offence. In a preliminary hearing in the case of John Henry (Col) for theft, no time or opportunity was given to notify the Asst. Supt. by Robert. C. Robbins Esq. Magistrate of this Sub District in violation of Major Genl Terry's order, dated Hd Qrs Dept. of Va. Richmond Va. March 12th 1866 and the Freedman was thrown into prison. More than two weeks have elapsed since the preliminary examination and only on Tuesday 27th inst I accidentally heard of the case.

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