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in open Court, which eventually terminated in a general "melee" in which bystanders were active participants; in the excitement attending such a disgraceful scene, there was a peremptory adjournment of Court without the Principals being brought to Justice, or in any manner being held responsible for this outrage upon the dignity of the body in session. 

Agreeably to the Order of Genl Commanding this department, the Election for or against a Convention, and Delegates, was held in this County of New Kent at the specific time, October 22nd 1867. The Freedmen having a full and just appreciation of their duties as free Citizens, seemed to be instigated not particularly by any feelings of Patriotism or Revenge, but showed great unanimity of action in casting their ballot for a Candidate of their own selection, whose platform was specially based on Confiscation; this Candidate was successfull, as the subjoined official Report will show: Total votes cast (588) five hundred and eighty-eight, out of which (403) four hundred and three were cast for Lemuel E. Babcock: the Whites voted almost unanimously against a Convention. The successfull candidate was not remarkable for any particular action as friend of the Freedmen, although he was considered as such and is represented to be a good Union Man. Order and

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-21 12:48:28