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cases of outrage. The freedmen are, in a measure, worse off, more exposed in that respect, than while they were slaves. Then, at least none but their owners could whip them; and they of course would not, ordinarily, do so to such an extent as to materially damage their own property. No one else dared do it; and an attempt of the kind was almost sure to be visited with the penalty of the law. Now, however, being no longer anyones property, it does not matter who abuses them, or to what extent they may be injured; no one could lose anything if they were even killed and outright. Formerly, if even sentenced to be executed, or imprisoned for life, for crime committed, the commonwealth had to remunerate their owners for their losses. At present, as no one loses, no one has to pay. They are now without any protection.

In my last month's Report I mentioned a case of "Isaac Wade" colored vs. "Riley Fergerson", white, for beating, in which Justice Bernard, to whom it was referred, had granted a warrant against Defendant, which however had not up to the time been executed. I have not seen Plaintiff since, but have learned that Defendant was subsequently taken before some other Justice of the Peace, who, in his judgement, finding no reason for binding him over to keep the peace, discharged him. And this I have it still to say, that since my coming here I have reason of no one instance in which a white has been bound over to keep the peace towards a colored person, no matter how strong the necessity.

In my Report of 31st last October, forwarded to Circular No 10, I have the particulars of a case of "Harkless Harris", freedman, vs. "John Foster", white. It may be remembered, the latter, obtaining an

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-04-29 10:47:12