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time, as to nearly preclude their consideration; while, too, unthinking ignorance on one hand, and systematic intrigue on the other, often intervene to prevent their institution. 

In my last report pursuant to circular No 10, I also stated an instance in which a colored woman named "Martha Wright" had been chained & hauled up by her hands to a tree, with her feet barely touching the ground, by a Mr "Daniel Padue" - white - & kept in that condition from about 10 O'clock a.m. till near sun-down and I further explained which action I had taken in the matter and have since been informed by "Mr T. Wright", the constable employed in the affair, that "Mr Hopkins", the J.P. to whom I referred the complaint, had both the parties brought before him, on warrants issued in favor of each against the other, when, on Padues making it appear that the woman had come on his place after she had been three times forbidden to do so she was bound over to keep the peace; & although she proved clearly that she had been treated as alleged, her charge against him was dismissed at her cost; and thus that outrage terminated. Of course, this woman should have presented her case before the "Grand Jury" but I presume she ignorantly concluded that having been bound over to keep the peace she was deprived of all further action. I have heard nothing from her since I sent her to Hopkins.

In the latter part of last month, "Harklen Harris" a freedman who had been at work, on verbal contract, for "John Foster" - white - from the 1st of the year (occupying for the time, in part pay, as per agreement, a small house & lot on the latter land) left & went to Roanoke Co. to look for other work, because Foster, accusing him of having stolen his apples, had search the house he occupied. Upon his leaving, Foster presented a