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The State of feeling existing.

I am compelled to here again report each County Separately, as they can by no means compared alike. In Lunenburg County among the majority of the citizens, a deep and bitter prejudice exists against the Freedmen, all Northern men and this Bureau.  For the least provocation, and frequently without any, large numbers of Freedmen have been drove off the plantations by their employers during the past month, and none of them have received any compensation for their services.  They are frequently beaten, by gangs of rowdies for which this County is famous, and they receive no attention from the Magistrates, who are really in dread of these same gangs of rowdies.  Even if these Magistrates and the respectable portion of the community were disposed to protect the Freedmen they dare not interfere.  It is my opinion that the civil authorities of this County are unable to enforce their own laws.  Such being the case 'what justice of protection, can the Freedmen expect.'

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-02 21:17:15