Viewing page 234 of 274

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

frequently leaving several children for the Mother to care for. One case I called the attention of the Mayor of Williamsburg, to in which a Freedman is living and cohabitating with a White woman, the Freedman leaving a wife with whome he has lived for some years, until within a few months past, the mayor prommissed [[promised]] to attend to it but has neglected to do so. I shall call his attention to it again and see what action (if any) he will take in it. There are frequently such cases happening with the exception that the Freedmen take up with Freedwomen.

From observation I am of the opinion that the Freedmen would stand but little chance of Justice in the Courts. Except in Williamsburg, where a case was tried befor the Mayor, (Mr Barlow.) I am of the opinion he would be fairly delt [[dealt]] with.

The above is a true statement of of the existing state of affairs in Williamsburg, and James City Co.

I am very Respectfully Your obt svt
Lemuel K. Morton
2nd Lieut VRC   
AS R.F.&c

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-04-26 10:35:39 Lemuel K. Morton