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one sees a man arraigned & in danger of the whipping post, because of the exercise of this influence, and the advantage it gives the prosecution, together with the natural abberrance, a Northern man has to this mode of punishment, renders it difficult, not to see injustice in every discussion of a court when it is given against a black man, even when in accordance with law of precedent. I think in no instance should a confession of a negro be admitted as testimony except it be voluntary. 
In regard to the matter of whipping as a punishment the Negro generally I think would prefer to take 39 lashes to confinement in jail for six months. 
I have had a few complaints of assault & none of an aggravated nature. 
I am General
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Svt. 
Louis W Stevenson
2d Lt. V.R.C. & Asst Supt. 

Capt. R S. Lacey
Supt 7th Dist VA

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-04-29 12:37:06