Freedmen's Bureau Records: Frederick S. Tukey to
Orlando Brown, February 28, 1867
Summary:
Tukey's report details three court cases, including one in which the defendant's
mental state was called into question.
Bureau Refugees
Freedmen & Abandoned
Lands
Sub-District Augusta &
Highland
Brevet Brigadier General O. Brown
Acting Assistant Adjutant General
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
Department Potomac
Richmond Virginia
Through District
Headquarters
February 28th 1867.
Staunton Virginia
General
I have the honor to report in compliance with circular Number 10, C.S. 1866, the following cases of Criminal Trials in this Sub-District for the month of February 1867.
1 st
Commonwealth
vs.
John & William Bird. (Freedmen)
This was a case in which the Defendants were arraigned before an Examining Court on a charge of Arson. - I consider the case to have been conducted in a spirit of fairness towards the Prisoners - Resulted in a verdict of acquittal for William and John being sent on to Circuit Court for further examination. And strange to say, the one who had confessed to his Counsel that he committed the deed, was discharged.
2 d
Commonwealth
vs.
Thomas Brent & John Curry. (Freedmen)
This was a case in which both of the Defendants were arraigned on a charge of Petit Larceny, and resulted in the acquittal of both of the Prisoners.
3 d
Commonwealth
vs.
William Wilson (Freedman)
This was a case, in which the Defendant was arraigned on a charge of Arson.-- Much doubt was felt by the Court about the Prisoner being "compos mentis" - and I am of the opinion, derived from conversation with members of the Court, that he would have been discharged, had they considered him a safe person to run at large. As it was, he was committed for further examination before the Circuit Court. Propose to call your attention to his case by special communication hereafter.___
I am General, with much Respect
Your
Obedient
Servant
Frederick S. Tukey Assistant Superintendent
