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LB 51. Vol 1st. 1867

Bureau R.F. and A.L Office Asst Supt
Sub Dist of Hanover, Ashland, Va.

Capt James A Bates
Supt 3d. Dist. Dept of Potomac
Richmond, Va.

Captain,
In accordance with the provisions of Par I,V Cir No 10, Bureau R.F. and A.L Hd Qrs Asst Comr. Richmond, Va. Mch 12th. 1867, I have the honor to report that the order restoring to the state authorities jurisdiction in criminal cases over colored persons has, upon the whole, resulted favorably with reference to the interests of the latter in this Sub Dist. They have been treated with impartiality and fairness and the law respecting their testimony has been carried out in good faith.
At the same time, cases of injustice and outrage are liable to occur, which, through the law or ignorance of the injured party, and the apparent apathy of the white population, would never be brought to light for the action of the courts, except by the intervention of military power.

Very respectfully,
Your obt servt
Ira Ayer Jr Bvt Col Asst Supt