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Bureau R.F. and A.L.
Office Sub Dist Rich'd
April 30th 1866

Lieut H.S. Merrell 
Supt 3rd Dist Va

Lieutenant 
In accordance with instructions contained in Par VI Circular No 10 dated Bureau R.F. and A.L. Head Quarters Assistant Commissioner State of Va. Richmond Va March 12th 1866. I have the honor to forward to you a report of the transactions before the criminal courts in this city and for the County of Henrico for the month of April 1866.

With one exception the trials before the Mayor have been conducted with strict impartiality, this also is observable in all decisions given but the usual question asked white persons arrested, "have you any witnesses" is rarely asked of a Freedman. The exception referred to above was reported to you in full on the 14th of April & instances are known to this office where the order of Genl Terry appended to Circular No 10 have been disrespected by the Justices of the Justices Court for the County of Henrico &

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