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spectators - Every betrayal of ignorance of the rules of evidence or of incapacity to comprehend the question put by the Court or Counsel to the witness, if he be a colored person is greeted with derisive laughter and more than once have I heard the proper officer command the audience to "Keep silence! when an ignorant negro took the oath and Kissed the Bible" -

I allude to this fact simply to show that the feeling among the masses is bitter against admitting the testimony of colored persons in the Courts -- I do not believe however, that this sentiment is endorsed as a general thing by the better educated and more reflecting people - but this class is in the minority. - A little reflection it seems to me, would at least remind these people that the freedmen are not responsible for their deplorable ignorance, and from this fact are entitled to pity rather than deserve ridicule - 

I would also call your attention to the condition of the Destitute and Infirm Freed people of my sub-district who by reason of the support of the Government having been withdrawn are in a pitiable condition indeed - Upon reference to my Reports embracing Names, Ages &c of these people, you will observe that almost without exception they are incapable of providing for themselves by reason of Age, Infirmity Disease or Infancy - Every precaution has been taken to prevent imposition. In fact

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