Viewing page 149 of 270

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Bureau of Freedmen and Abandoned Lands,
OFFICE of ASST SUPT SUB-DIST EMBRACING
CAMPBELL APPOMATTOX AMHERST & NELSON, Cos. VA.
Lynchburg, Va. Feby 28th 1867.

Bvt. Brig Genl. O. Brown
A.A.A.G. Department of the Potomac

General:
In conformity with the requirement of circular No 10 C.S. dated Hd. Qrs. Asst. Comr. State of Virginia, Richmond Va, Mch 12th 1866, I have the honor to report that I have attended all the Courts in my Sub Dist this month; that no freedmen were tried on very serious charges and I could take [[?]] no exceptions to the manner in which the courts treated the Criminals.
I noticed instances when freedmen were convicted of crime on their own confession thereof. These confessions are usually extorted by the parties - interested, under threats, or promises, but in such a way as to be used, according to the rulings of the courts from the authorities cited, I am constrained to say that I know of no cases where it has been done, but what the court was well sustained by precedents, and no charge of unfairness could be made against them or that account. Judge Sheffy, will not admit confessions, as testimony made to former masters.
It is not an easy matter to divest ones mind of prejudice and render unbiased reports of cases of this kind. The influence which  master exercised over the mind of the slave exerts to a great degree in their new relations and is not confined to their late owners only; and when

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-04-29 12:36:49