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Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands
Headquarters Superintendent, Ninth District, Va.
Fort Monroe, Va., May 31st 1866
Bvt. Brig. Gen. O Brown

General;

I have the honor to report the following concerning the administration of justice to freedmen by the civil authorities of this District.

So far as I have ascertained, it continues to be unsatisfactory. In the counties of York and Elizabeth City, by far the most thickly populated portions of my District, the Magistrates evince a growing disrespect for the Bureau officers, in the latter county especially, resenting their presence in Court as an interference.

I trust the reports of their neglect of duty, which, during the past month, have been forwarded from this office, will be considered, and that justice and protection will be guaranteed to freedmen.

Instances of wrongs unheeded by the civil authorities are daily brought to my notice, but I am

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