Viewing page 23 of 274

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

016

BRF & AL
Office of Asst Supt
Lovingston Apl. 30, 1866

Colonel O. Brown
Asst. Commissioner
State of Va

Colonel:  
   
I have the honor to report that at the April term of the County Court, four Freedmen, were arraigned for trial, charged with breaking open & stealing meat & tobacco from the smok & tobacco houses of citizens of the County.
   
On the preliminary examination one of the accused was dismissed, but afterwards required to appear before the County Court. His employers engaged the best council in his behalf, & in consequence of absence of his witnesses, the case was continued, the employer giving bail for his appearance at the next term.
   
One proved an alibi & was discharged & two were held for trial before the superior court which they received to day -- were found guilty & one was sentenced to four, the other three years and seven months in the penitentiary. I could discover no difference, in the trial, from that of white persons, in all cases the testimony of Freedmen was taken when offered. The person acquitted proved an alibi by a colored woman.

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-04-24 11:08:41