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see any this may, at least none inconsistent with this method.

Very Respectfully, General,
Your Obedient Servant

Brvt Maj Gen &c
Asst Comsr.

Office Assistant Commissioner
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
Montgomery, Ala. Decr 5th 1865

Maj Gen O.O. Howard
Commissioner &c
Washington, D.C.

General,

[[left margin]] Last week's report [[/left margin]]
I mailed to you last week a report, resuming the series of weekly reports interrupted by my journey.

[[left margin]] Col Woodhull's letter [[/left margin]]
I also sent a reply, at some length, to Col Woodhull's communication of referring to your recent visit in the vicinity.

[[left margin]] Rev Mr Alvord [[/left margin]]
On Saturday Rev Mr Alvord and Rev Mr Roy of Chicago called at the office. I was glad to see them. They were here in season to witness the passage of the Constitutional Amendment and made an agreeable visit of two days, which I trust will have a good result.

[[left margin]] Hardaway and Harris [[/left margin]]
In pursuance of the general plan of co-operation on which this office has been conducted, I have during the past week given my sanction to two agreements, printed sketches of which I enclose herewith. Messrs Hardaway and Harris are men of very extensive acquaintance and high character for integrity. Mr Harris is not, I believe looking so much to a promising return as to public usefulness and credit. There are already indications that this plan

will spread, and with strict care and firmness in selecting Agents it may be generally useful. The other plan, that of the Monroe County Agricultural Society, is presented by some two hundred and fifty planters, instigated by Mr Garland Goode, an old citizen, formerly one of the most extensive business men in the State, and who I am convinced, is earnestly devoting himself to the adjustment of society on the new basis of humanity and freedom. Some things in the published resolutions are not just as I would have them, but the movement is in the right direction, and I thought best to let it take its course. As soon as they have established this home for helpless freedmen, then, and under their auspices I want to put a school. Preparations I am told are on foot in adjoining counties to repeat this operation and measures have been taken to distribute the paper enclosed to you, widely throughout the State. I propose where such societies are rightly conducted to make them the medium for distribution of supplies to both white and black poor. Surely in this way we can arouse a benevolent impulse which will not die away when we retire from the field.

During the week past the Legislature has passed the bill directing the Governor to appoint a Commissioner to co-operate with me, principally in the distribution of supplies. Some hesitancy as to whether the appointment should be made by the Provisional Governor, or the Governor elect, has caused a little delay, but I suppose that by next week the officer will be on duty.

The bill for confirming the admission of negro