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0189

Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands,
Headquarters Superintendent, Ninth District, Va.
Fort Monroe, Va, May 1st 1866

Bvt Brig. Genl O Brown
Asst Commissioner

General;
I have the honor to report in accordance with instructions of Cir. No 10 Hd Qrs Asst Com. Virginia that during the past month the operations of the civil courts in acting upon criminal cases have not been satisfactory so far as the 9th Dist is concerned.

There is no efficiency in the police system, no energy in the little police that is in existence, and no earnest desire apparent to administer justice without distinction of color. There are but two jails in the district and hence the courts are almost powerless.

I am sorry to report that the magistrates are generally illiterate and incompetent.

It is very evident that the colored people consider themselves deeply injured by the late transfer of judicial authority to the civil courts; I believe they are right 

Very respectfully
Your Obdt Servt
S C Armstrong
Supt 9th Dist. Va.

Transcription Notes:
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