Freedmen's Bureau Records: John W. Jordan to John A.
McDonnell, April 30, 1868
Summary:
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.
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands,
Office 4th Division, 9th
Sub-District, Virginia.
Capt.
Jno. A. McDonnell,
Sub Asst Comr.
B of R.F.
& A.L.
Winchester Va
April 30th 1868
Staunton, Va.,
Capt.
In accordance with instructions contained in Par VI Cir. No. 10 from Hd Qrtrs. Asst Comr. B of R.F. & A.L. Va dated Richmond Va March 12th 1866 concerning the result of the operation of the "Order" restoring to the "Civil Courts" jurisdiction over colored persons in criminal cases. I have the honor to report as follows, viz.
I have no cases to report in which any authority vested with the power of
regulating the institution of criminal proceedings has refused justice to a
colored person by improperly neglecting a complaint or
[page 2]
by declining
to receive an oath or sworn information tendered by a colored person &c.
At the last term of the Augusta Co Court there was but one case before the Court in which a colored person appeared as a party to the action which case was continued by reason of the absence of material witnesses.
It is my intention as soon I become acquainted with the Magistrates in my new field of operation to permit no cases to go before those officers in whom I have no confidence and to continue as far as is possible the adjudication of difficulties in which freedmen are interested in my office.
I am Capt.
Very Respectfully
Your
obt
Svt
Jno W. Jordan
A.S.A. Comr &c
B of R.F.
& A.L.
