Viewing page 280 of 283
This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
554 State of Alabama B.R.F. & A.L. 1051 Montgomery Dec 10" 1868 Howard Maj Genl O.O. 552 Commissioner &c Washington D.C. General I have the honor to submit the following report of Bureau and Freedmen's affairs this State for the month ending Nov 30" 1868 Since my last report there has been a considerable change for the better in the condition of the freed people throughout nearly the whole state. The civil authorities have generally taken prompt action in all cases reported to them where injustice has been done the freedmen in the settlement of contracts, or where acts of violence towards them has become known. The agents of the Bureau have in many cases, prevented confusion and assisted materially adjustment of differences, by the claims of the freedpeople to be presented in a clear and correct manner and whenever practicable personally attending the settlements. The election passed of without trouble and its results are already noticeable in a general disposition of quietude, and reluctance to further continue the partisan ill feeling so strong for several months previous. In Butler and Lowndes Counties exists a gang of desperadoes whose actions one more bold and open every day, little if any semblance of law or order remains, and the older and better disposed citizens who would frown down this mob are so cowed by the ruffianly minority as hardly to deserve the name of opposition. Two colored men are reported has having been murdered in Butler County during the months and one taken from the guard house at Ft Deposit Lowndes County and his head severed from his body to prevent identification. A colored school house and church used for educational purposes in Butler County and a school house in Crenshaw County have been burned by incendiaries during the month besides others 555 partially torn down or destroyed. At present there is no help for this and any attempt to re-establish schools will only result in more outrageous without armed protection. Agents have no means either of investigating the circumstances and much less bring criminals to justice. But one school is now in operation in Butler County and the teacher has been subjected to many indignations. In other portions of the state schools are in a very fair condition and increasing in numbers, the appropriations made will hardly suffice to finish well all the buildings in process of construction but every effort is being made to complete every thing by the end of the month. The State Officers of Education are cooperating with the Bureau and rendering much valuable assistance A Bill has been introduced in the State Legislature which has already passed the house and been sent to the Senate providing for the entire support by the State of the inmates of the single Bureau Hospital in the state located at Talladega This hospital shows a decree of six patients since last report. There are now no soup kitchens in operation in the State the only remaining one at Mobile having been discontinued during the month Very Respectfully Your obedient Servant Edwin Beecher Bevt Lieut Col. U.S.V. Asst Commr
