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295.

Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands,
Office Asst. Sub-Asst. Commissioner, First Division Third Sub-District of Virginia,
Richmond, Va., March 31st 1868.

Lieut. Paul R. Hambrick
Sub Asst. Comr. 3rd Sub. Dist, Va.
                                             
Lieut:
In compliance with instructions contained in Par. 6, Circular No. 10, dated Bureau R.F. and A.L. Head Quarters Asst Comr, State of Va, Richmond, Va, March 12th, 1866. I have the honor to make the following report. I am unable to credit the examining courts of this Division with an impartial bearing toward the colored man when the issue lies between white and colored persons. My authority for this censure is drawn from personal knowledge of the composition of these courts and thee frequent complaints of the freedmen in which they feel themselves subjects of arbitrary punishment and Judicial wrong. Until these courts are more thoroughly reconstructed the freedpeople will continue to suffer from injustices,

Very respectfully;
Your Obdt, Servant,  
Benj. C. Cook
A.S.A.C.