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Bureau of R.F and A Lands
Hd Qrs A.S.A C 2d Dis 2d S.Dist
Waverly Sussex Co. Va. August 31st 1867

Brvt. Brig General O Brown
Asst Comr B of R F and A Lands
State of Virginia Richmond

General,
I have the honor to report that there were no freedmen tried by the courts of Surry or Sussex Counties during the month. Before the grand jury of Surry Co Mr. Hankins was arraigned upon the charges of disturbing divine services and was discharged the jury failing to find a true bill. In my report of July 31st 1867 I reported the case and evidence and the action of the Magistrates who recognized him to appear before the grand jury to answer to the above charge.  The grand jury took the grounds that any person had a right to sit in church with his hat on and that Miss Howood [[?]] the difficulty.  It is almost impossible to [[expand?]] a jury that will convict or even censure a person that belongs to what they term the "First Families" after having committed an offence against a [[major?]]