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34 [[left margin]] Last week's report [[/left margin]] On Monday last I made my usual weekly report and transmitted the same to you next day by Mail. [[left margin]] Brig Gen Fisk [[/left margin]] During the week past I have received from you the correspondence between yourself and Brig Gen C.B. Fisk relative to the strictures of the latter upon the administration of this District. I am obliged to you for the information conveyed, and grateful for the course taken in regard to it. [[left margin]] Transportation [[/left margin]] I am also in receipt of instructions relative to transportation and hope the proposed order may soon be forthcoming. At present I cannot travel within the District for which I am responsible except my requisitions be approved. [[left margin]] Telegrams [[/left margin]] I am also in receipt of two telegrams from Brevet Brig Fullerton A.A.G. in relation to questions about the real property of the late rebel Government. The questions raised seem proper for settlement by Executive Order _i.e._ 1- Shall the Treasury Department on the ground that the real property of the late rebel Government is neither abandoned or confiscable, but "captured", sell all buildings and fixtures on the same, before an assignment of the land can be secured by the agents of the Bureau. 2- Will the amnesty of a party entitle him to claim rents collected from his property while in the custody of the U.S. Marshall. The Collector at Mobile, authorized to collect "captured" property all over the State is seizing property to the right and left, and selling brick walls, cabins &c for large sums which ought to accrue to this Bureau. I shall make appllication as fast as I can for the assignment of the property, and a general application this week for the money accruing from such as has been sold. [[left margin]] Back rents [[/left margin]] The U.S. Marshall has seized property which produced large monthly rents. The parties will 35 perhaps be amnested. It is not worthwhile for any one to collect the rents if they must be paid back, otherwise I would at once ask for the property. I dislike to ask questions, particularly by telegraph, but both these had immediate practical value. I am also in receipt of copies of Circular Number Fifteen, which has not as yet an extensive application in this District. Copies will be placed in the hands of those Agents of the Government with whom we have to do in our property relations. On Saturday evening, Br't Lt Col Wright arrived, and we have already marked out a plan of operations which will be entered on at once. He will go to see the Collector at Mobile, and will be in constant communication with the District Attorney for the Northern District, who is here. There is as yet no Attorney for the Southern District. Col Wright brought me a kindly message from you, for which I am thankful to the Aurthor of whatever has been been well done. [[left margin]] Capt. I.L. Kerr [[/left margin]] Capt I.L. Kerr, A.Q.M., also arrived on Saturday evening. Col. R. Burr A.Q.M. with whom he has been serving, speaks in the highest terms of his efficiency in the Department. The proceedings of the Convention have been sent to you regularly during the week. I have myself watched them with deep interest, and have devoted much time to interviews with such of the members as came in my way. The Judiciary Committee having been directed to report an Ordinance legalizing the marriage of negroes, requiring those who were able to provide for their families to do so, and providing for the support of the infirm. I gave the Chairman a sketch of what our experience has dictated. A formal request came afterwards to present the same in detail to the Committee and I did so at some length, on Saturday afternoon. There is reason to hope that the course they may adopt will measurably concur with our own. I ventured to add, and it was received with attention, that if they instruct the Legislature under whatever qualifications to make laws based on a distinction
Transcription Notes:
misspellings/miswritings were maintained