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0596

Rockbridge- Bath & Alleghany Counties
Bureau R.F. & A. Lands
6th Division - 7th Sub-District Va
Lexington Va July 31st 1867

Bvt. Brig Genl O. Brown Asst. Com. State of Virginia

General

In accordance with Paragraph 6- Circular No
10 Hd. Qrs. Asst Com. State of Va dated Richmond Va March 12th 1866- I have the honor to make the following Report of how the handful of criminal cases in which Freedmen are parties from the Bureau to the civil courts has affected the interests of the Freedmen in the counties of Rockbridge- Bath- and Alleghany - during the month of July 1867

Considering the changed relations of things, and the prejudice this must necessarily have produced in the minds of the Whites - prejudices of so fine a character that those who have them often conscientiously deny their existence -  I see no reason to complain of the conduct of the majority of the civil officers, when the wholesome power of a military Commissioner is held, in terrorem, over them -

The above paragraph applies to important cases - In small matters they do not give due attention to the rights of colored persons -

But few cases of bodily abuse have come under my observation, and in these the magistrates have acted to my satisfaction-

A Freedmans chances of obtaining justice are better in the higher tribunals than in the lower - The testimony of colored persons is always received and has due weight given to it according to the character of the witness

Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt
J. W. Sharp Brvt. Major & A.S.A. Com.
Rockbridge- Bath & Alleghany Cos. Va

Through Capt. R. L. Lacey
Agent 7th Sub-District Va=

Transcription Notes:
According to wikipedia: "In terrorem," Latin for "into/about fear", is a legal threat, usually one given in hope of compelling someone to act without resorting to a lawsuit or criminal prosecution. ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-05-08 11:49:03 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-05-08 18:42:07