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144

But in the preliminary examinations and in minor cases coming before the inferior magistrates much depends upon the personal character and preconceived ideas of the magistrate or magistrates who adjudicate; and also upon the reputation of the respective parties whether white or colored. Should the negro be well known as industrious, honest, and respectful in his demeanor, and should he have white friends, and should his adversary be of low social position or otherwise disreputable, then he stands a good chance of having justice.

These conditions having revered the Freedman labors under certain disadvantages resulting from his ignorance, poverty, want of judgment and experience, and a prejudice which lurks in the forms of some of their old masters, more than [[?]] concealed even to themselves.

The great and unavoidable misfortune under which the Negroes labor is the ease with which persons of their skin color can be suborned to give fake testimony against them by unprincipled Whites.

So far as any observation has extended the letter of the law in relation to the testimony of colored persons, in which Circular No 10 is based is observed in this Sub-District, and colored witnesses heard in the 

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