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something from him- and deliberately firing at him, when so near, that he must certainly have been able the very next moment to seize him. And still, I have been informed, even by the Prisoners Counsel, that as it was afterwards found that he really had taken the horse, the law of the State will justify Hudson; and it was further said, that if even he were arrested, on an investigation being had in the affair, he would readily be discharged.

It will be remembered, it was only after the man had been shot down, that he acknowledged to having taken the horse & had he never done so, it's probable it could never have been proved. An entirely innocent person may have been served in exactly the same manner. At this rate, no ones,
and especially no colored person's life is safe here a minute. It is curious to speculate, however, how that affair would really have terminated, were it at all possible that the actors therein could have changed places. There can hardly be a doubt but that the Freedman firing on the white, would not, if alive be now of liberty.

That the prisoner committed an offense for which he should be justly punished, is without a question; but Hudson has, on his part, also committed a grave, if not a state greater offense, for which, strictly, he should more likewise be in jail. If it be so, however, that the law tolerates such a high handed act, of course a grand jury then can not bring in a pretense or if they ever do on the case coming up for trial. Hudson will be honorably acquitted and then the whole matter will drop unless some justice power should interfere to enforce rights. I have been told that if the prisoner is convicted of the alleged " Grand Larceny" he may think himself lucky if he escapes with his neck             

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