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War Department, Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, Washington, Decr 19th, 1866 General, The circular letter of instructions to the Asst. Commissioner, of Oct, 13th 1866, relative to the organization of Bureau courts in the insurrectionary States, having been submitted for the approval of the President, was returned to the office, not approved till further consideration. Until further orders therefore, I am directed to say that the Asst. Commissioner in the administration of justice, will be governed by the laws establishing the Bureau, taking such action in accordance therewith, as in his judgement, the necessities of each case may demand. Very Respectfully You Obt. Servt, A.P. Ketchum A.A.A. General, Brt. Maj. Genl. Wager Swayne, Asst. Comr Montgomery Ala.