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380 739 State of Alabama, Bureau R.F. and A.L. Montgomery Ala March 9, 1868. Howard Major General O.O. Commissioner &c. Washington D.C. 88 General: In compliance with Circular Order No 4 series of 1867 I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of the Bureau and Freedmens affairs for the month of February 1868. The late vote upon the Constitution presented to the people of the State for ratification, and the violent political contest growing therefrom has called for the most active operations on the part of Officers and Agents of the Bureau during the month, that the interests of the Freedmen might be fully protected. Many have been discharged from labor on account of voting, and in the majority of cases without payment or settlement, but those discharged have been employed by others, and in general upon much better terms than those of the first contract - payment under their first contracts for services rendered will be demanded. Very few have suffered want on account of having been discharged, while the condition of the greater number of them has been much improved. This is due in a great measure to the late advance in the price of cotton which has enabled planters to put more land under cultivation. Soup Kitchens have been established in the principal cities which relieves all destitution in those localities. Small issues of Bureau supplies have been made in the Counties of Colbert and Conecuh under the Act of Congress approved March 30, 1967. It is believed that no general issue will be required. The disturbed condition of civil affairs - the apathy of Courts, resultant upon the unsettled condition of the people - their general indisposition to take speedy action in cases referred to them, as well as the want of confidence in their decisions on the part of the Freed people is interfering seriously with the interests of the Freedmen, and calls for the most active vigilance on the part of Officers and Agents. Should the State not be admitted in the Union 381 it will be necessary to adopt measures which will tend to the better protection of the Freedmen in their rights and privileges. I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your Obt Servant J. Hayden Bvt Brig Gen U.S.A. A.A.A.G. 740 State of Alabama. Bureau R.F. and A.L. Montgomery, Ala. March 10, 1868. Howard Major General O.O. Commissioner &c. Washington D.C. 380 General: I have the honor to forward herewith the following Reports pertaining to the Bureau for the month of February, 1868. General Monthly Report. Report of Refugees Report of Freedmen Report of Lands Roster of Officers Roster of Agents and Clerks Changes and Assignments of Officers and Agents. Very Respectfully Your Ob't Servant J. Hayden Bvt Brig Gen U.S.A. A.A.A.G.
