Freedmen's Bureau Records: George T. Cook to R. S.
Lacey, October 26, 1866
Summary:
Cook responds to Irwin's letter to General Schofield. He provides more details on
the case to which Irwin referred, stating that he believes these particular
charges to be just. Cook does, on the other hand, concede that blacks must tread
very lightly around whites, and the abuse of blacks by whites is unfortunately
frequent.
Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and A.L.
Office Asst. Supt.
Sub-Dist No. 10, 7th Dist
Dept. Potomac
Captain R. S. Lacey
Supt 7th Dist
Va
Lynchburg, Va
October 26th 1866
Staunton
Captain:
In compliance with your endorsement regarding a letter written by one Nelson Irwin (Col'd) I have the honor to submit the following statement:
The men referred to were tried before a Magistrate of the County, the "Bureau" being represented by Mr. F.S. Tukey, late clerk in this office. The prisoners had for their Counsels Alex H. H. Stewart, Esq - the evidence against them was mostly [added: given by] freedpeople, they were committed by the Magistrate and their Counsel having waived an examination at the September term of the County Court, they were remanded to Jail and now await the session of Circuit Court in November next.
The fact of their guilt seems from the evidence
[page 2]
to be quite evident. I
do not think they either will, or ought to be cleared if crime is to be
punished.
In answer to the assertion that there are many Colored men in Jail, I will state that there is but one, besides the two named in this letter -- confined at present and he is a perfectly worthless man.
As to the "reign of terror", although overdrawn, I think there is more foundation for the assertion than there should be. A black man, to live peaceably must be very careful the whites seem very jealous of them, and any show of impertinence or independence, in so many instances leads to blows on the parts of the whites - they say a Colored man must keep his place, and not be setting himself up as a rival to the white, instances of blows and abuse are quite frequent -- the Colored people generally submit quietly, as resistance, they are well aware, is perfectly useless.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servant
Geo. T. Cook
1st Lt.
V.R.C. and Asst. Supt.
