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offence punishable by imprisonment in the Penitentiary (which rape is) should be admitted to bail, unless where there is only a slight probability of the guilt of the prisoner. In this case the evidence of guilt was positive. So much so that the examining Magistrate refused to bail the prisoner. The Asst Supidt informed the County Court of this deviation from the laws of Virginia, and handed them a copy of Gen Orders No. 1. 1st Dist, for their perusal. This had the effect of their examining into the case, and though the evidence adduced was conclusive as to the guilt of the prisoner, still the Co Court admitted him to bail, and on the following Tuesday, the defense opened, and he was discharged. The official Conduct of this County Court I consider prejudiced and extremely unjust, partly owing to the fact that the Commonwealth's Attorney did not prosecute the prisoner with the same vigor and more than official feeling, were he a Freedman charged with the offence, and mainly owing to the prejudices of the Court and the personal sympathy to the prisoner. I believe a gross injustice has been done the Freedpeople in this case, and I ask that some remedy be adopted.

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

Transcription Notes:
Part of sentence in [[ ]] doesn't make sense?? Reviewed and think that though wording seems odd, it does appear to be correct.