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448 865 State of Alabama. Bureau R.F. and A.L. Montgomery Ala June 10, 1868. 447 Howard Major General O.O. Commissioner &c. Washington DC. General: As the existence of the Bureau is about expiring by the Act of limitation, I beg respectfully to represent that the objects of its first organization exist in full force in the District requiring its continuance for one year at least, after Alabama shall be restored to the Union as a State, and its organization of Government into complete operation. The present condition of the Bureau is most beneficial in repressing disorder, enlightening the minds of the freedmen, securing their interests, causing content and stimulating labor. The white population are somewhat better disposed to it and acknowledge more or less its benefits. Should the Bureau cease discontent will again pervade the freed laborer, and uncertainty of maturing the crop ensue, to the discouragement of the farmer. No one can over estimate the distrust engendered in the minds of the freedmen towards all civil officers in place under the pseudo provisional government attempted at the close of the war, because they are active, persistent and avowedly in opposition to reconstruction and to the civil rights of the colored people. It is believed that the installation into office, of those elected by the last voice of the people in the election of Feby last held for the ratification for the new Constitution of Ala would tend to disperse apprehension of injustice and unfair dealing without impairing the good condition and order of the white people. It can not be conceived that the last election in failing to come up to the peculiar required majority of registered waters, was a fair one inasmuch as such condition was undemocratic, irrational, and adverse to the franchise power inherent in the people - which last excludes from a count the non voter, especially those by design; those deceased after registration, and those prevented from voting by sickness and accident. It is needless to say that the loudest mouthed against the election, are those who would not vote. Is their appeal worthy of regard, or to balance against the patriotic voters? I have this day as Sub Dist Comd'g, recommended to Gen'l Meade Comdg 3d Mil Dist to instal the newly elect, who in the main are found to be worthy of confidence and the highest respect. Very Respectfully. Your Obt Servt O.L. Shepherd Col and Bvt Brig Gen USA Asst. Com'r 449 866 State of Alabama Bureau R.F. and A.L. Montgomery Ala June 13, 1868. 448 Howard Major General O.O. Commissioner &c. Washington D.C. General: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of the discharges of the following named men late of the 44th U.S.C.T. whose claims for bounty &c have been allowed. George Womack Sdrgt Co "A" Amos Mannon Corpl Co "A" James Maples Pvt Co "A" Patrick Townsend Pvt Co "A" Davod Steele Pvt Co "A" Frank Sheppard Pvt Co "B" William Berry Pvt Co "B" Charles Buford Pvt Co "B" Leroy Bibb Pvt Co "B" Pittman Eldridge Pvt Co "B" Enclosed by letter "C.B 1093" from Wm P Drew Agent in charge of Claim Division Very Respectfully Your Obt Servant O.L. Shepherd Col and Bvt Brig Gen USA Asst Commissioner. 867 State of Alabama, Bureau R.F. and A.L. Montgomery Ala June 13, 1868. Applegate Mr A.J. Agent. Bureau &c. Montgomery Ala. Sir: I enclose herewith your appointment as Agent in the Bureau to take effect June 1, 1868. Upon the acceptance of this appointment you will report without delay to Lieut E.H. Weirman U.S.A. Sub Asst Commr; Sub Dist of Eufaula, for assignment to duty in that Sub District. You will execute the enclosed oath and return the same for file in the office of the Assistant Commissioner By order of Col and Bvt Brig Gen O.L. Shepherd. Geo Shorkley Capt 15th Infy. Bvt Major U.S.A. AAAG.
