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36 [[left margin]] 76 Howard 28/47 [[/left margin]] Hd Qrs District of Alabama Montgomery Ala May 7th 1867 Maj Genl O O 28/47 Commissioner &c Washington DC General Some months ago I wrote to you quite urgently about a proposed purchase of the Baptist College at Talladega with a view to establishing there a permanent Normal School for Freedmen. Reply was made that the laws governing the Bureau contained no warranty for the purchase or for anything beyond the usual grants in aid of parties having such an enterprise on [[?]] Unwilling to see an opportunity of so good a promise unimproved. I opened correspondence withe the American Missionary Association upon the subject, and after a mature consideration they report that they are wiling to take it of the Trustees at the price agreed on, provided a grant of Four Thousand Dollars ($4000) can be obtained from the Bureau and in the hope of a further grant of Two Thousand Dollars $2000 can be has to put it in complete repair. I beg leave earnestly to recommend this to your favorable consideration and should the grant be made from the appropriation for the current year, I will do all I can to so arrange the title that no question shall at any time arise as to the interest of the Government having been sufficiently protected. I feel a great desire to see a permanent institution in the State which will afford to self denying young persons among freedmen a good education, and furnish a continuous supply of teachers for that people. It seems not inconsistent that a small proportion of the appropriation to be thus turned to permanent account, and I know no better guarantee of permanent usefulness than that effected by the character of the association that undertakes the work. Very Respectfully Your Obt Servant Maj General 37 [[left margin]] Peck 39 [[/left margin]] Hd Qr District of Alabama Montgomery Ala May 8th 1867 Capt W. H. H. Inspector &c Montgomery Ala Captain In obeying the enclosed order the Asst Commissioner desires that you look closely after the general condition of the freedmen, inquiring into all cases of outrages and acts of injustice committed. The records of jails must be carefully examined, the length of time within, trial and on what charge prisoners have held and particularly whether any are so held on charge of vagrancy. The conduct of the various civil Officers must be noted and where it seems advisable that any should be removed inquiry must be made as to percent available to appoint to the vacancy. When it is practicable a careful personal supervision of the distribution of food is desired, and in any event, the conduct and character of those charged with its issue should be noted. You will report by letter from Girard, both going and returning. You will inquire for letters and telegrams at Columbus Ga as it may be necessary to communicate with you. Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servant O.D. Kinsman Sub Asst Commissioner [[left margin]] 78 Pierce 15/62 [//left margin]] Hd Qrs District of Alabama Montgomery Ala. May 8th 1867 Bvt Maj CW Sub Asst Commissioner Demopolis Ala Major Your communication of the 1st inst relative to the child Alice apprenticed to Mr. [[Barrell?]] is received. You will please return the letter of Lucy Abney which was enclosed in the letter of instructions from this office as it is needed in the completion of the case. Very Respectfully Your Obt Servant O.D. Kinsman Sub Asst Commissioner
