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[[preprinted]] War Department,
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands,
Washington, [[/preprinted]] January 8th [[preprinted]] 186 [[/preprinted]] 9

Bvt Maj. Genl J. M. Schofield
Secretary of War.

General:

I have the honor to state for your information that there remains in the hands of some of the Assistant Commissioners of this Bureau, a considerable quantity of clothing and materiel for clothing, purchased with a view to its gratuitous distribution amongst destitute Refugees and Freedmen, and that in consequence of the withdrawal of the Bureau from the several states in which it has been in operation, the issue of the same has been discontinued.

In view of existing destitution, it is respectfully recommended that the manufacture of the materiel into suitable garments, and the gratuitous issue of the clothing, under the restrictions heretofore in force be authorized.  Such a disposition of this property would be in accordance with the views of Congress in making appropriations for the support of this