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War Department,
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.
Washington, Feb 23rd 1866.

General;
Anticipating the excitement that will necessarily follow the action of the Government, with regard to the new "Freedmens Bill", you may feel somewhat embarrassed in the duties devolving upon you under the laws and regulations already existing.
That you may act steadily and firmly in any emergency, you must be prepared for any increased hostility on the part of those who have so persistently hindered and troubled you and your agents, and it may be an increased restlessness, amongst the freedmen.
The president has assured the Commissioners that he regards the present law as continuing the existence of the bureau at least a year from this time. (over)