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0404
[[Stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/Stamp]]

as an example I will cite a case occurring yesterday. 
A Freedman was charged with stealing four lbs of meat from another Freedman, he was examined before a magistrate, and held to appear before the County Court, which sits the fourth Monday in August where if found guilty, he will be held for trial at the Circuit Court in October, when perhaps, as it frequently occurs, the case may not be reached, and as a consequence laid over to the next term which will be in May thus lying in Jail from 3 to 10 Months, his family suffering for the necessaries of life, his employer loosing labor which at this time is of great value to him, and the accused becoming demoralized by a long confinement in jail in idleness
Such are the consequences alluding the Present workings of the Circuit Court, hence the general desire on the part of the Community of this County, both Black and white, that, all matters pertaining to the Freedmen, be adjudicated by the Bureau, and justice meted out with a promptness, that cannot be done under the present working of the Courts.
I am General
Very Respectfully 
Your  Ob't Servt
Lieut and Asst Supt B RF and AL
Halifax Co Va