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miles from where he was tried to this place he thought it no use to send for me. I learned nothing of the trial of these cases until yesterday morning when they were brought before the County Court for further trial. 

There is no disposition to evade the law admitting the testimony of colored persons. But Magistrates generally do not give the same weight to the testimony of Colored witnesses as they would to whites. The opinion held is that colored persons are not credible witnesses and their testimony must be received with caution. This is always the case before Magistrates at preliminary trials. before the higher court they receive more justice. When a colored man is too poor to employ counsel, which is frequently the case, the court at my request always assign Counsel to defend him. The prejudices of the Whites toward the Freedmen on account of their condition formerly render it extremely difficult; almost impossible for them to appear on the same footing, in any case, with the whites their former owners.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt. 
Ed Murphy
1st Lieut 10th Regt V.R.G
Asst. Supt.