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authorities are entirely inactive Civil suits for small amounts are wholly ignored; while in cases of comparative importance the constable appears to be the only medium through which action can be secured and then only at such times and in such cases as may suit his convenience. There being but one constable in the county, it will readily be seen that little protection is offered the freedmen outside of the Bureau.

Every facility has been afforded the civil authorities in securing to the freedmen that protection guaranteed them by existing laws; but the magistrates of this county have failed to take advantage of the facilities thus offered, nor can they be said to have applied themselves to an impartial consideration of the majority of cases referred to them.

I am very respectfully
your obt. servant.
Mont S. Reed.
Lieut V.R.C. Asst. Supt.