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4."

that arise, from parties — former owners — keeping minor children, with the expectation of having [[underlined]] said minors [[/underlined]] bound out to them, until of age. A large number of citizens misunderstand the "act" relative to binding out children. They believe, and endeavor to act accordingly, that [[underlined]] all minor [[/underlined]] children can be bound, even against the consent of Parents. Of course this belief is not universal, yet it exists to such an extent that I am daily kept busy sending communications to parties to give up colored children to parents, who are able to support, and have provided homes for their children for year 1866. Since Genl orders No 16, from Col Thomas, have been circulated, most of Contracts are approved or witnessed by civil Officers.

I remain very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
[[signature]] Ed L Buchwalter [[/signature]]
Capt. and Sub. Comr. F. B.