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Office of Asst Supt Bureau of
Refugees Freedmen and A.L.
Tuskegee Ala December 27th 1865

Judge of Probate
County of Russell State of Ala

Sir information reaches me that you are binding Colord Minor Children and making no distinction between those who have Parents and those who have none.

I vary much doubt the legality of such proceedings and therefore will consider them null and void, where they have Parents. (unless the consent of the Parents is first obtained.)

No Child who has a Parent can be bound or apprenticed without the consent of the Parent unless the Parents are dependent on the County for Support.

Minor Orphans may be bound or apprenticed under the Law of the State providing there is no destinction made on account of Color

I have been under the necessity of sending into your County to assist Parents to obtain their Children I hope and trust you will discontinue binding those who have Parents from the fact it is causing me a great deal of unnecessary trouble.