Viewing page 40 of 270

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

1276

Office Asst Supt Bureau R.F. & A.L
Suffolk Va
January 24th. 1867

Capt W. P. Hustin
Supt 1st. Dist Va
Norfolk Va

Captain
I have the honor to make the following monthly report for the
month of January 1867, in compliance with Cir No 10. Bureau R.F. & A.L. Head Quarters Asst Comr Va Richmond Va March 12th 1866, of the manner in which the Order restoring to the State Authorities jurisdiction in the trial of Criminal Cases of Freedmen, has resulted in the Sub District of Nansemond and Isle of Wight Counties Va.

There still exists a prejudice against the Freedmen, but when brought to trial for any offence before the Court, they are afforded a fair trial, most probably from the fact that if they do not allow the Freedman a fair trial, that the case will be reported to the Asst Comr at Richmond.

The great trouble is, when a Freedman is before a Magistrate for trial or to enter a suit against a White man, that the Magistrate is so prejudiced against the Freedman, that it is almost impossible for them to do justice, and would not if it was not the fear of being brought to trial themselves.
over