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Bureau Refugees Freedmen + A,L 
Sub District of Hanover
Ashland Va May 31st 1866

Lieut H S. [[Nemell?]]
Supt 3rd Dist of Va

Lieut
In compliance with circular no 10, from [[Ha?]] 2nd Asst Comr Va, dated March 12th, 1866. I have the honor to report that I have attended all trials to which colored persons were a party, in this Sub District during the past month, The Magistrates of this county have shown a disposition to act fairly in these cases. There has been no disposition to evade the law in regard to colored persons testimony. but the prejudices formerly existing with regard to these people have great influence with the magistrate in the trial of criminal cases, the general opinion is that they do not understand the nature of an oath sufficiently to be admitted as credible witnesses. their testimony although admitted in every case is regarded of little weight and value,

Very resptly Your obt Servt
[[Eedl?]] Murphy
1st Lieut 10th Rest [[?]] Asst Supt