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the colored people protect them to the full extent of the law, whilst others who are not so inclined, decide leniently and simply put the offenders under a small "bond" to keep the peace.

The civil law of this state gives the white population too much latitude for the exercise of their brutality, and if more rigorous measures could be adopted, it would have the effect of putting a stop to such treatment, and until such is the case, the freedmen will not get that protection to which they are justly entitled.

Very respectfully
Your Obt Servant
Benj. C. Cook
Bvt Capt and Asst Supt 3d Dist Va