Freedmen's Bureau Records: George T. Cook to R. S.
Lacey, November 30, 1866
Summary:
This report by Cook emphasizes the difficulties in getting Magistrates to hear
civil suits brought against whites, especially in matters of money owed
blacks.
Bureau Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands
Office Assistant
Superintendent
Sub-District
Number 10 7th District
Potomac
Comprising Augusta and Highland Counties Virginia
Captain R. S. Lacey
Superintendent 7th
District
Virginia
Lynchburg, Virginia
November 30th 1866
Staunton Augusta County Virginia
Captain:
I have the honor to submit the following Report of "Criminal Trials" for the month ending November 30th 1866 as required by Circular Number 10 C.S. from Headquarters Assistant Commissioner State of Virginia
I have not been summoned and have therefore not attended any Criminal Trials in which Freedmen or persons of Color were concerned.
I find it almost impossible to get hearings before Magistrates for Freedmen in Civil Suits against Whites every possible obstruction to such trials is made and many Freedpeople are suffering for want of money due them but which they have no means of collecting.
Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant
George T. Cook
1st
Lieutenant
Veterans Reserve Corps & Assistant
Superintendent
