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Russel Co. Al.
Aug 23. 1865

To the Commissioners in charge of the Freedmans Bureau in Montgomery
Selma Mobile &c.

Dear Sirs,
During the early part of this month Col. French Woodall, commander of the port of Columbus Ga, ordered the different Rail road companies to give transportation to refugee Freedmen (on his order) to their homes. A number of Freedman near and in Columbus who were formerly servants of mine made application to the colonel for transportation and it was ordered for twenty one, but as there were about fifty in all and they wished to go together they were directed to be on the R.R. Depot on the 14th inst.

They left their homes and assembled accordingly, but in the mean time Col. Woodall was instructed that he could not thus order the R.R. to carry them but the authority to furnish them transportation — or rather to furnish transpirtation to refugee freedmen was given to the commissioner of the Freedmans Bureau. As these poor people were thus left without home or employment by the promise of Col. Woodall the commissioner here said he would at once send them to their homes in Greenville Washington Co. Miss. but the Quarter master here has

Transcription Notes:
Reopened.