Viewing page 8 of 58

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

8

Office Asst Commissioner
B.R.F. and A.L.
Montgomery Ala May 5th 1866

Callis J.B. Bvt Col
Supt R.F. and A L
Huntsville Ala.

Colonel
Your attention is respectfully invited to the impropriety of your stamping the signature to your official communication, instead of writing it with your own hand. Par 449 Rev Req 1863 provides that communications other than "from a commander to those under his command must be made by the officer himself. If communications are not signed by yourself they cannot be considered as made by you. Par 998 Rev. Req 1863 provides that when a signature is not writen by the hand of the party, it must be witnessed. This is a prohibitation of the use of a stamped signature in any case unless the stamp is witnessed.

Very Respectfully. etc.
(Sgd) O.D. Kinsman.
A.A. Genl.


Office Asst Commissioner
B.R.F and A.L.
Montgomery Ala. May 4th/66

Callis J.B. Brevet Col.
Supt R.F. and A.L.
Huntsville Ala.

Colonel
In reply to your communication of the 2d inst the General directs me to say that his telegram of the 26th ulto was simply intended as a word of caution to you, and not as a reproof.

Very Respectfully
Your obdt Servant
(Sgd) O.D. Kinsman
A.A. Genl.

9

Office Asst. Commissioner
B.R.F. and A.L.
Montgomery, Ala. May 4th 1866.

Howard. Major General O.O. Howard
Commissioner Bureau R.F. and A.L.
Washington, D.C.

General,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this afternoon of your telegram of this date, asking me if I agreed with the State Commissioner as to the extent of destitution in this State.

This inquiry directly reached a point which had oppressed me with some doubt, and which, though it has been and is the subject of diligent inquiry on my part, is not altogether settled in my mind. I could only make my reply include just what amount of supplies had been estimated for and what I thought ought to precede a further increase.

You are aware of the cry for food, which, since the first occupation, has come up from this State, principally from the poorer counties, and of the steps taken to relieve the need under your Circular No. 19, authorizing a monthly estimate for supplies, to be issued under existing regulations.

By reference to my letter of December 26th, 1865, you will observe that the apprehensions which had so long prevailed here, of suffering until another crop came in, were beginning to be widely [[crossed out]] recognized [[/crossed out]] realized. The Governor recommended a large appropriation, committees on Destitution and Supplies were appointed in the Legislature, and the office of State Commissioner was created that we might all work together.

The State had no money, except a little raised by individual endorsement. It was not deemed possible to raise anything by taxation at that time. The Legislature appropriated half a million of dollars in bonds, but these were not then even prepared, and it was evident that immediate relief must come from the Government, if at all.

The Legislature reported an official estimate of fifty two thousand destitute white persons. This seemed incredible, with a white population not exceeding six

Transcription Notes:
J.B. (John Benton) Callis