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the preliminary examination. The rule appears to be to put the other freedmen off and advise him to arrange his difficulties in an amicable way without the aid of law is to pass it over quietly and suffer his wrongs without seeking redress and generally they will not act until they receive a communication from this office, in which case they take cognizance of the offence. Many of the magistrates are old and easily intimidated by desperados both White and Black. In the county court there is none of this difficulty as the law is justly & fairly administered through this agency of the attorney for the commonwealth who discharges his duty fearlessly and conscientiously prosecuting all alike without regard to color or class.
Very Respectfully
Your obt. Servt. 
Ed. Murphy
1st Lieut 10th Regt. V.R.C
Asst. Supt.

through the office Supt. 5th Dist. Va.