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Decatur, Ala. July 6, 1866 Gen Whipple Sir. I learn that Gen Howard has authorized Asst Commissioners of Freedmen &c to appoint Special Agents for the purpose of bringing the new law - extending the privileges of the Homestead Act to freedmen & loyal citizens - to the notice of the Colored people & enabling them to take advantage of it. Unless some special effort of this kind is made I fear the law will be practically of no avail. The freedmen do not comprehend its provisions nor, if they did, can they find & obtain lands without assistance. There are thousands of acres of public lands in North Ala. which should be