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beat Fitzgerald with an Iron Tongs, cruelly and without any provocation simply for hesitating to obey an order given him by Lacy. no evidence could be adduced that he had refused to obey the order, when he was knocked down and beaten by Lacy. No evidence could be offered for the defense and the case went to the Jury who shortly came in with a verdict of "Acquittal." This in entire disregard for all law, and the testimony in the case. I consider it a most cruel and unprovoked assault on an ignorant and timid Freedman who had not the courage to defend himself. And without exception the most unjust and prejudiced verdict I have ever seen during my official connection with this Bureau. The Precedent is now established that a Freedman who hesitates to obey an order, may be knocked down and beat by his employer and he has no remedy. The verdict was so entirely wrong, that the Commonwealths Attorney asked for an appeal but the Circuit Judge overuled it and declined to grant it.  If these cases are not remedied speedily the administration of justice in this County will become a complete mockery.

Most Respectfully 
D. J. Connolly
Brvt Capt & A. Sub Asst
Commissioner,

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