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State, composed of the Presiding Magistrate of the County an Associate Justice and myself, for the trial of all cases in which the Freedman was an interested party 
The two cases within reported, were decided fairly before this Court, and no objection was known to the decisions until this time. 
Regarding the Freedman who was ordered to pay rent (Fifty Dollars) to Mr Shields. the facts are these. 
The house for which rent was demanded is owned by Mr G. W. Bryan (White). Colsten (Col'd) entered into a contract with Mr Shields. Agent for Mr Bryant for the house and lot in Yorktown at the rate of five dollars per month. ten months rent was due, and the Agent of the property (Mr Shields) brought the case before the Bureau Court (a copy of the proceedings in this case is herewith enclosed) Mr R Saunders has nothing either directly or indirectly to do with the property and states that he never had any conversation with Howard Colston (Col'd) regarding the house and lot in question, and that the within statement is a "deliberate falsehood". Regarding the "Rig Case" attention is invited to an "Extract" of the proceedings of the "Bureau Court" herewith enclosed. It will be seen that G. W. Greenwood (White) purchased both of the pigs. gave them to Frank Hobdy (Col'd) to raise on shares. one died. Frank Hobdy (col'd) killed the remaining one and was not willing to give Greenwood any portion of it. he was brought before the Court. Hobdy was ordered to pay the original cost of the pig or give Greenwood one half as he agreed. Contrary to my advice, he gave him one half of the pig. As to the removal of the Freedmen in York Co it is one of the most difficult questions I have had to contend with. At one time, a combination was made by the land owners of the county agreeing to not lease land to any "Negro" hoping by this means to rid themselves of the dense population in York Co. and the Freedmen on the other hand declared they would not leave unless overpowered by force. My efforts have been put forth constantly to conciliate if possible the bitter feelings of both races and give harmony of action and interests to all. 
To a great extent I have been successful, and time and ready means of transportation, are all that is necessary to solve this question, and restore a normal condition of affairs. I deny most emphatically that I have 

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ever illtreated any Freedman. I am their friend, and have worked constantly for their interest, and to improve their condition. In the administering of "Justice" between man and man by this office certain leaders among the Freedmen (which we find in all their villages) have been thwarted in their designs of taking advantage of the more ignorant for their personal benefit. by this means I have no doubt incurred their ill will. which may account for this untrue report of grievances. 
I am greatly interested in the immense work which the Bureau has assumed, for the benefit of Colored race, and no one more truly wishes their advancement, or desires that "justice" be secured them.
It is hoped that the extreme length of this endorsement will be pardoned. 
sg'd F J Massey
1st Lieut 5th Regt V.R.C. Asst Supt &c


Bureau R F & A L
H'd Qrs Asst Comr D of P
Richmond Va Dec 29/66

Respectfully returned to Genl S. C. Armstrong Supt &c
This communication was forwarded to him for his report and will be promptly returned with the report called for, to these Head Quarters. 
By order of Bvt Maj Genl Schofield Asst Com'r 
O Brown
A.A.A.G.

The first endorsement was not recorded in this Book


L.R.A.720. 4th.V.66.
White Geo. Q.
Bvt Maj &c
 
Rec'd back Dec 31st/66.
Bureau R F & A L
Office Supt Education
Richmond Va Dec 31st/66

Respectfully returned to Genl. O. Brown A.A.A.G. with the recommendation that the repairs indicated in the within communication be made. 
Sg'd R. M. Manly
Supt Education


Bureau R F & A L
H'd Qrs Asst Com'r D of P
Richmond Va Dec 31/66

Respectfully referred to Bvt Maj Geo. Q. White. Chf Qr Mr &

Transcription Notes:
D. of P. = Dept of Potomac Bvt. = The meaning of BREVET is a commission giving a military officer higher nominal rank than that for which pay is received. Brevet Major George Q White Chief Quartermaster ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-05-17 11:49:57 2nd line on page, replaced "first" with "trial" ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-05-21 17:31:11