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0929

The Freedmen complain bitterly of the injustice and neglect show them by the magistrates, And that they have good reasons for such a complaint is an undeniable fact.  I declare it as my official opinion that the magistrates of this County are governed in their official duties by the opinions of strong prejuidiced friends, and not by the laws of Justice or equity.  This is a strong assertion, but their official conduct and actions will substantiate it. I have referred several cases to them for action, they decline action on the grounds that the cases in question (descriptions of them) are not to be found "in the book", and consequently can not be tried.  The extent of their legal knowledge is rather limited, I should judge from the above and the following facts. Magistrates have frequently committed Freedmen to jail to await the action of the County Court, at which time it would be discovered (but not until then) that the "Committment Papers", were made out wrong by the magistrate.  The Freedmen has then been sent back to lie in jail, until the next County Court, or until the "Committment Papers" would be made out properly,