Freedmen's Bureau Records: Thomas P. Jackson to
Orlando Brown, September 30, 1867
Summary:
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.
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands,
Office 4th Division, 9th
Sub-District, Virginia.
Brigadier General O.
Brown
Assistant Commissioner District
of Virginia
Richmond (Through Headquarters 9" Sub-District
Virginia)
September 30 1867
Staunton, Virginia,
General
In compliance with Circular Order Number 6, Series 1866 I have the honor to report that during the month of September several trials of Freedmen have been had before the county court. In all of these full justice was accorded by court and jury. In minor cases before Magistrates in their districts, Freedmen, being without counsel, cannot fully obtain impartial justice, but this is more the result of their own ignorance, than wrong action on the part of the justice, basing his decision upon the facts, as presented. To remedy this as much as lies in my power, I shall continue to notify magistrates that if Freedmen request, the examination be postponed until I can be sent for to appear for them.
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
Thomas P Jackson
Agent
