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poor negro, that justice could not be had for him in that court. I have heard Mr. Spice censured in the courtroom by some of the most respectable citizens, for making such assertions.
At this court three lawyers volunteered to defend a negro, made use of the same argument & boldly asserted, as well as proved that the testimony of a colored woman was better than that of one of the most prominent magistrates in the County. I noticed on one of the juries a deserter from the Rebel Army & afterwards a U.S. soldier, I mention these things, trifles in themselves to show that there is an increasing spirit of tolerance which augurs well for the future of the Freedman.
I am General
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Svt.
Louis W. Stevenson
2 Lt. VRC & Asst. Supt.