Johnson's statement of June 1865 attests to the seizure of Wholey's property and lumber by the military.

How describes in detail a case against Robert Carter, and how his trial was conducted.

How writes to Shumate, asking him to appear in order to settle James Hamilton's claim against him. How lays out the details of his argument against Shumate as well.

How addresses all of the district's Assistant Superintendents as a group, instructing them that they are not to make groundless arrests outside of the proper channels of the legal system.

How reports the creation of a board for trials involving free blacks in Staunton.

How reports recent court cases involving free blacks. The case in Staunton involved a woman who sued her former owner for traveling expenses back to her home in Kentucky.

Clay forwards a deposition regarding Thomas Wholey's claim to the War Department.

How reports on outrages committed against blacks in his district. Most of the incidents he describes happened in Augusta County.

Wholey writes to the War Department about property of his in Staunton that was seized first by the Confederate Army, and then by the Union Army. The lot was since turned over the to Freedmen's Bureau, and Wholey requests the return of the lot and compensation for lumber he stored on the property.

Clay (in a statement copied and appended by How) turns the barracks in Staunton over to the Freedmen's Bureau. The property on which the barracks stand is the subject of Thomas Wholey's claim.

How asks Tukey to estimate how much wood he will need for distribution to those too poor to afford wood during the winter, even though, as How points out, he does not know whether or not he will be able to procure any.

How's letter endorses Frederick Tukey's decision in the E.P. Walton case (although said decision is not disclosed in this letter). He also asserts that he needs a detachment of at least 30 men stationed in Staunton for that area of the sub-district to be able to function properly.

How forwards a claim by a man named Robert Brick, and asks for more information about how to assist freedmen submitting claims for losses sustained during the war.

How forwards an article from the "Valley Virginian" that relates to a case he forwarded earlier, although the details are not clear from the letter.

This letter from Frederick Tukey asks for intervention in what he perceives to be a case of injustice against a black plaintiff in a legal case. The attached wrappers trace the case's progress through the bureaucracy--it was decided not to intervene.

W. Storer How, although based in the Winchester Bureau office, reports on the workings of the legal system in Augusta County.

Dews asks for remuneration for the services he has performed for the Bureau in Augusta County. His letter mentions his own loyalty to the Union cause, and the difficulties it has caused him. Dews actual position in Staunton, was as magistrate on the Freedmen's Courts, but attached endorsements to his letter indicate that he received very little money in fees from the court, and was paid by the Bureau at a clerk's salary.

Cook reports that criminal cases in which blacks are involved have been conducted fairly and impartially.

Cook's report on the court system notes that the main problem in securing justice lies with the local magistrates, who are reluctant to pursue complaints against whites made by blacks.

Cook recounts a case where a white man was acquitted in a case of blatant assault against a young black hotel porter.

Cook's report details two legal cases that he states are representative of the injustices suffered by freedmen in the local courts.

Cook's report notes the prevalence of larceny charges against blacks during August 1866.

Nelson Irwin writes a very poignant and wrenching letter to General Schofield, the head of the Potomac Military District, pleading for justice and protection for blacks. He refers to an upcoming trial in Staunton and claims that blacks live under a "reign of terror". Irwin asks Schofield to use military power to intervene on the side of the law, writing, "We gave to the rich white man our best years, our strength, our youth, our sweat, and now that we are free, we get in return meanness, tyranny and injustice." Judging from the papertrail, this letter was passed all the way to Orlando Brown.

Carse, the Bureau Agent in Lexington, sends a telegram from Staunton to military authorities informing them of the murder of a black man by a white law student and alerting them to the suspect's escape.

In his letter, James Paul of Augusta County describes how he helped capture a fugitive from Lexington. There appears, however, to be at least one page missing from the letter, as the story does not seem complete. Paul states that because of his part in capturing the fugitive, Fitzgerald, he is entitled to at least part of any reward.

Carse reports that Johnson, the accused murderer, has been arrested. According to newspaper reports, Johnson was arrested in Fishersville and initially held in the Augusta County jail.

Cook indicates a general improvement in court proceedings, although he notes that public sentiment still prevents blacks from receiving fair trials.

This report by Cook emphasizes the difficulties in getting Magistrates to hear civil suits brought against whites, especially in matters of money owed blacks.

Cook's report expresses surprise at the level of fairness in criminal trials, but also notes that several cases of assault will come before Grand Juries in February 1867.

Tukey reports no criminal trials for the month of January 1867.

Tukey's report details three court cases, including one in which the defendant's mental state was called into question.

Tukey forwards descriptions of the voting and magisterial districts for Augusta County.

Tukey reports no criminal trials involving freedmen during the month of March.

Effinger, an attorney for the Commonwealth, writes to Jackson about an upcoming bigamy trial involving a man (Samuel Hall) about whom Jackson might have information. Effinger asks Jackson, or someone from the Bureau office to attend the trial and submit whatever evidence they might have in the case.

Jackson reports no criminal trials involving freedmen for the month of April.

Fessenden passes along some information about trials of freed blacks during the war.

Jackson refers an assault claim to Trout.

McCutchen asks for advice from Jackson related to his appointment as County Register, and notes that the estate of John McCutchen, a relative, will not be settled for some time, as their is a claim against it by Henry Alexander.

Jackson notes that most trials in Augusta County have been fair and impartial.

Jackson forwards criminal and school reports to McDonnell, referencing a case against a man named Hill that was settled unfavorably.

Jackson's letter to Joseph Milsted relates an accusation against Milsted's wife, who beat the child of Peyton Harris, a man whom Milsted employs. Jackson also states that Milsted has no right to beat anyone, and that he must supply reasonable cause in order to breach a contract.

Franklin instructs Jackson to assemble the evidence and report on a dispute over the occupancy of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Staunton.

Jackson refers an assault case to Trout for resolution.

Jackson reports that the Augusta County Circuit Court is in session, and that he has attended cases pertaining to freedmen.

Although now residing in Tennessee, Harrison writes to Jackson to find out whether or not Jackson has the power to pursue a case in which Harrison was not able to collect payment for some land he sold near Middlebrook before the war, because he refused to accept Confederate money. His letter details the circumstances of the matter, and asks for help, or at the very least, advice, from Jackson.

Hall writes to Jackson regarding the case of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Staunton, which was under Hall's jurisdiction as Military Commissioner. He also refers to such duties as "arduous."

Jackson informs Brown, that as per the terms of his contract with a Mr. Shaw, Shaw has the right to evict Brown from his property since Brown has ceased to work for him.

Hall informs Jackson about some restrictions on evidence in a case involving the Methodist Episcopal Church in Staunton.

Jackson's report mentions two pending cases involving freedmen: one of attempted rape, and the other of disorderly conduct.

Mowry, the Deputy Sheriff of Fishersville, informs Jackson that several people have been arrested, and that his presence is requested at the trial.

McCue conveys information pertaining to a conman roaming through Augusta County. It appears as though the criminal has been "selling" plots of land to blacks throughout the county under the guise of the Freedmen's Bureau.

Hall asks Jackson to give his opinion on several cases being forwarded him by Hall, one of which involves a stolen horse.

Jackson asks for information from James Woods' attorney in Rockbridge County in regard to an appeal Woods wishes to make.

Earman writes about the prevalence of horse thieves in Augusta County, and ways in which they may be stopped, including the formation of local "vigilance committees." It is unclear whether the letter was meant for Thomas P. Jackson, or if it is indeed meant for another man by the name of Jackson.

Hall asks Jackson to have Isaac Crebs, a resident of Augusta County, provide a statement regarding his claim against the Pitman estate.

Jackson reports that trials involving freedmen appear fair, but he regrets the number currently in jail.

Wilson's letter to Jackson indicates that he will initiate proceedings in a suit between Frank Harris and Newton Wilson involving assault.

Jackson attributes the inability of blacks to receive fair judgements from local magistrates to a result of their ignorance of the legal system, and notes that he makes an effort to represent freedmen when they cannot obtain counsel.

Jackson's report notes that it is especially difficult for freedmen to receive fair settlements in cases brought against their employers.

Points records the terms of a separation agreement between Robert and Derinda White, who although never legally married, lived together in marriage.

Jackson asks McDonnell for advice on how to handle three assault cases against freed blacks, noting high levels of negative feeling towards them. He also mentions James Bumgardner's (Commonwealth Attorney) refusal to prosecute one of the cases.

Thomas Jackson refers a case involving an assault against the wife of a colored man to James Bumgardner (whose name Jackson misspells), an attorney for the Commonwealth.

Jackson writes that he has not received an answer from James Woods' attorney, and that Woods' efforts to receive a new trial have been hampered due to lack of funds.

McDonnell responds to Jackson's letter from November 9, 1867 about Bumgardner, stating that any neglect of duty on the part of the Commonwealth Attorney to prosecute cases will be reported to the local Military Commissioner.

Jackson reports on court cases involving freedmen during November 1867.

Thomas Jackson writes Lieutenant Hall, the Military Commissioner for Augusta County, concerning the handling of cases where men have been accused of stealing horses while associated with Federal troops.

Jackson reports on the progress of several cases of assault against blacks in Augusta County. Regarding one case, Jackson notes that the complainants fear they will have to leave their homes if they prosecute the case.

Chapman wishes to see Jackson about some cases, but he does not specify which ones.

Jackson writes McDonnell about the Alexander-McCutchen case, noting the the administrator of the McCutchen estate requires legal proof before he will settle the claim.

Hall asks Jackson to transmit the order regarding the case between Crebs and Pitman to the Augusta County Clerk's Office.

Jackson's report makes note of several pending larceny cases.

Bumgardner updates the Military Commissioner about the status of several court cases.

Jackson again writes to Hall about James Woods' appeal and his inability to secure the necessary papers from his lawyer.

In his report, Jackson notes that although legal proceedings seem fair, there are some instances of excessive bail being charged.

Jackson's letter to McDonnell describes a complaint by Hiram Thompson regarding his horse that was stolen by a Confederate Lieutenant before the end of the war.

In declining an offer of transfer to Southampton, Jackson launches into a personal political manifesto, expressing his views on the current political situation, the prospect of black suffrage, and the relations between whites and blacks. He writes, "I want the fullest equality for all men before the law but am opposed to attempting to mix oil and water, black and white in one homogenous social mass because it cannot be done." He also expresses his belief in the importance of widespread education for ensuring the stability of society.

Jackson gives details of a criminal case in which the jury returned a guilty verdict despite the lack of evidence, and he also describes the effects of excessive bail charges.

Jackson's report refers to a defect in the Hustings (Or Corporation) Court and a special report he submitted to Brown on March 10. He notes that it is very difficult for freedmen to receive impartial decisions.

McDonnell asks Jackson to report when he will be in Monterey, the seat of Highland County, and if its County Court meets at the same time as Augusta's.

Burnett informs Jackson about the status of several court cases.

Jordan inquires about the status of a case against six men.

McCue summarizes the results of a case against six men for assault and battery. It appears as though the case against some of the parties involved was dismissed, while it will be continued against others.

As the new agent in Staunton, Jordan reports that he knows of no injustices committed against freedmen in the courts and states that he will not let cases go before local Magistrates in whom he does not have confidence.

The law firm of Allen and Latson informs Jackson about the status of a case (of unknown circumstances).

Jordan relates the details of a demonstration led by the Ku Klux Klan in Staunton. According to Jordan the Klans quite obvious displays have aroused both the white and black communities and threatens the public peace.

In his report, Jordan describes his efforts to mediate legal disputes between whites and blacks in Augusta County in the hopes that it will "save much unkind feeling between the races."

This deposition of Nancy Burns, written by the witness and marked by Burns, describes the circumstances in which Peggy Soyers attacked Burns with a pitchfork. An attached memo notes that the deposition pertains to an assault case between Peggy Soyers and John Edmunds.

Huff, the Justice of the Peace in Churchville, details what he knows about a dispute between a Mary Minor and a Mr. Coleman. He describes Minor's personal situation, as well as her demeanor, characterizing her as a woman "of high temper."

In his very detailed report, Jordan states that he tries to avoid the adjudication of disputes involving freedmen in the courts because of the pervasive prejudice in the system. He recommends the establishment of military courts that would have jurisdiction over blacks and other "loyal" citizens, so that they would be able to receive fair trials. He also calls for the extension of the Bureau's tenure, and an increase in its powers to work against opposition to the government.

Dews applies to Brown for employment in the Bureau or other branch of government. Dews was once a member of the Freedman's Court in Staunton, and claims that he is presently unable to find work in his profession because he remained loyal to the Union during the war.

Jordan remarks that he observes different opinions regarding the legal rights of blacks among different classes of people, but notes that "intelligence, integrity or moral courage" do not appear to be qualifications necessary to sit on a jury or preside as a Magistrate in Augusta County.

Jordan reports that he tries to have all disputes involving freedmen settled outside of the civil court system because of the prejudice and indifference of the local Magistrates.

Evans refers to an arrest he made of an Alex Nelson, who was subsequently indicted by the Mayor, N. K. Trout, although the charges are not specified in the letter.

Waldo comments on the lack of criminal cases involving blacks during the current month, and notes that he is continuing the practice of settling civil cases through the Bureau office.

In his report, Waldo remarks that although he knows of no cases of actual discrimination in the legal system, he observes a "spirit" of injustice towards blacks and whites loyal to the Union government among Magistrates. Waldo also reports that he continue to settle civil matters outside of the courts.

Chapman writes to Waldo about the case of Sally Taylor, noting that it is now in the hands of William McBush, the constable. The details of the case are not clear from the letter.

Waldo reports no relevant cases for November, and states that he was therefore unable to observe the attitudes and actions of local Magistrates.

Waldo's last report before the Bureau ceased operations indicated no cases in which injustice was committed.