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facts would not justify the complaint. One case has been reported, where the authorities were accused of neglecting to investigate a case of murder of a colored man by a white man, witnessed by three colored persons. On referring the case to the proper authorities, measures were at once taken to arrest the accused, and investigate the case with fairness, and impartiality to the colored witnesses - Much of the unfairness heretofore complained of is caused by ignorance on the part of the colored people, and timidity, in bringing their cases before the proper authorities. This gives the adverse parties advantages they would not have, were they met with equal intelligence.

I am General
Very Respectfully
Your obt svt
Wm. P. Austin
Capt. V.R.C. A.A.Q.M and
Supt B.R.F. and A.L. 1st dist of Va.