Viewing page 217 of 253

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Bureau of R.F. and A Lands
Hd Qrs. A.S. A.C. 2d Div 2d S.D. Va.
Waverly Sussex Co. Va. Nov 30th 1867

Bvt Brig Genl O. Brown
Asst. Comr B of R. F. and A Lands
State of Virginia Richmond Va

General
I have the honor to report that there were no freedmen tried by the courts of Surry County during the month and only one by the courts of Sussex. Henry Mason, tried on an indictment for a misdemeanor (stealing apples). The evidence went to show that he was caught in the act of stealing apples from a tree in the orchard of Doc William Briggs. The jury found him not guilty and discharged him claiming that it was only a case of trespass as he was at the time in the employment of Doc Briggs

I was very much surprised at the decision as I considered it an impossibility to impanel a jury of white men in this county that would discharge a freedman that was on trial before them where the evidence was so strong against him. Therefore I am pleased to report that in my opinion the trial was conducted fairly and if any partiality was shown it was for the prisoner

I am General
(over)