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him, but nevertheless I was not asked - at least not asked at the public examination - my suspicions as to the students having anything to do with the shooting of the negro were dispelled the next morning, and I have now no idea that they were engaged in it, but they were proved to have been firing as well as Harry Stiles and John Alexander - alias Honey- and I think every possible effort should have been made to learn who they were and to fine them, bid them to keep the peace, and confiscate their pistols - as was done with the Freedmen.

In this connection I must report that there is no police in Lexington, excepting one town sergeant, discharging pistols on the streets occurs every night - Whites and blacks both indulge in this unlawful practice, and the lives of well behaving citizens of both colors are almost equally in danger.

The Freedmans school in Lexington is in a prosperous condition, but I hear rumors that some young men of the town and college are in the habit of going to the neighborhood of the school house to meet colored girls on their way home from school. The purpose of such meetings can be readily divined and as the girls are the willing participants in lust I can see no remedy for the evil, but in two or three, if not more, cases attempts have been made to abduct those who were unwilling. I have presented the matter to the town authorities and believe it will be attended to, and such misdemeanors hereafter prevented. Should this not be the case, and the mischief continue I will call your attention to it in a special report with the hope that you can apply a remedy. 

-For your further information the deposition of Billy Turner - taken when he appeared he would die - is herewith enclosed - 

Very respectfully
Your obt. Servt
J. W. Sharp
Capt & Asst Supt F.B.
Rockbridge, Bath & Alleghany Cos Va

Thro Capt. R. S. Lacey
Supt 7th Dist Va

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