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428 829 State of Alabama. Bureau R.F. and A.L. Montgomery Ala May 12, 1868. 411 Gilette Brev Major James U.S.A. Sub Asst Commissioner Mobile Ala. Major: The Assistant Commissioner desires me to inform you that the services of Frank H Fowle, Clerk &c, will be dispensed with after the present month, it not being considered necessary to employ more than one Clerk in your Office. Very Respectfully Your Ob't Servant. Geo Shorkley Capt 15th Infy. Bvt Major USA A.A.A.G. 830 State of Alabama. Bureau R.F. and A.L. Montgomery Ala May 12, 1868. Curtis Bvt Major James U.S.A. Sub Asst Commissioner Selma Ala Sir: By virtue of Circular No 28, dated State of Alabama, Bureau R.F. and A.L. Montgomery Ala May 12, 1868, you are assigned to duty as Sub Assistant Commissioner for the Sub District of Selma, comprising the Counties of Bibb, Perry, Dallas, and Wilcox. You are hereby empowered to exercise and perform within the limits of your Sub District, all the powers and duties of the Assistant Commissioner, except such as by Regulations and orders devolve upon that Officer alone. By order of Col and Bvt Brig Gen'l O.L. Shepherd. Geo. Shorkley Capt 15th Infy. Bvt Major USA. AAAG. 429 831 State of Alabama, Bureau R.F. and A.L. Montgomery Ala. May 12. 1868. 425 Howard Major General O.O. Commissioner &c. Washington D.C. General: In compliance with Circular 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 April 1868. The operations of the Bureau for this month have been much more pleasant and satisfactory than for the month of March. No changes in Bureau affairs have been made other than the organization of three new Sub Districts which have been placed in charge of Officers of the Army who have had considerable experience in this Bureau. The stationing of Troops at different points in the most turbulent districts in the State by the Commanding Officer of Sub District Alabama has tended greatly to restore confidence among the freedmen, and has given them assurances of consideration — this with the late action of Military Courts in punishing offenders for outrages committed upon loyal people is fully restoring their confidence in the Government, as well as deterring the people from repeating these outrages. The necessity for a paid Agent in each County seems imperative. The disloyal whites, now fearing the Military punishments for open violation of law resort to the meanest trickery in the Courts to wrong the freed people in every way possible, bringing against them fictitious charges for arrest, resulting in false imprisonment &c. The best and only way to avoid this seems to be, to have Agents wherever needed, to look after their interests, and to watch the Courts. Freed people need counsel and instruction as to their rights and privileges, and the most carefully considered advice to keep them in the right and correct them when wrong, under such oppressions as are constantly being heaped upon them. The great want and need of the freed people is greater educational facilities. Very little has been done, in this, that should have been done, on account of inadequate means. Sub Asst Com'rs, and Agents are doing all they can, but without money, that can be but little. There is but little destitution in the State, and full employment at fair wages for all — in some localities fully up to last years prices, and with much better assurance of being paid for their services. The improved conditions of the freed people, and of Public affairs generally is quite noticeable. Very Respectfully Your Ob't Servant O.L. Shepherd Col 15th Infy. Bvt Brig Genl USA Asst Commissioner.
