Freedmen's Bureau Records: William H. Effinger to
[Thomas P. Jackson], April 12, 1867
Summary:
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.
12th April 1867
Harrisonburg, Va
My Dear Sir
A freedman is now up on bail to be tried at our May Circuit Court upon a charge
of bigamy The first marriage is alleged to have been under the act of the Va Legislation of 27th March
1866 - immediately suceeding which a large number of freedmen went to your
office (then in this town) to be registered Among others I have been informed
this one Samuel
Hall alias Samuel Johnson alias [unclear: Doctor]
[unclear: Damin] - He has gone by the three names but doubtless used the
first at that time He is the one who lodged complaint against Genl S. H. Lewis of this county
[page 2]
for
driving him away from his wife Eliza formerly the
slave of said Lewis Eliza claims him as her husband and any information you can
give will probably further the ends of [unclear: justice] justice - If
the facts be as stated in regard to the complaint and registration could some
one of your Bureau attend the trial and give evidence?
Please let me hear from you
Yours very respectfully
WmH
Effinger
Comth Attorney
