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Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, 
Office Sub-District of Richmond,
Richmond, Va., 31st July 1866.

Capt J A McDonnell
Supt 3d district Va.

Captain
In compliance with Circular No. 6 dated Bureau Refugees Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, Head Quarters Asst. Com'r State of Va. Richmond Va. Jany 29th 1866 I have the honor to forward the following Report.

I have had occasion during the month, to bring before your notice, the arbitrary proceedings of the City Police towards the Freedmen in making arrests. Several instances have occurred where they have exceeded their authority, it is a matter of no moment to the Mayor, whether this undue exercise of power is executed or not, as their proceedings meet with his sanction. It has been clearly shown in several cases, that Freedmen were arrested without just cause, yet no word of censure ever passed the Mayor. Too much brutality is often used in making these arrests as well as abusive language. 

The Freedmen of the Sub district, are conducting themselves in an orderly, and citizen like manner, evincing an earnest desire for educational advancement.  

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