Viewing page 4 of 220

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

War department, 
Adjunct Generals Office, 
Washington July 25" 1865

General Orders }
No. 129        }

To secure justice and the same personal liberty to the freedmen as to other citizens and inhabitants, all orders issued by post, district, or other commanders, adopting any system of passes for them or subjecting them to any restraints or punishments not imposed on other classes are declared void. 

Neither whites nor blacks will be restrained from seeking employment elsewhere when they cannot obtain it as a just compensation at their homes, and when not bound by voluntary agreement: nor will they be hindered from traveling from place to place on proper and legitimate business.

By order of the Secretary of War: 
E.D. Townsend, 
Assistant Adjunct General 

A Copy
Official 
[[signature]] Fred M Beecher [[/signature]]
Lt. & Asst. Adjt. Genrl.