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Troy, Ala. February 18th 1867

Gen. Wager Swayne,
Commissioner &c. - Do contracts with freedmen for the present year require the approval of an officer of the Bureau - or are they competent to contract as any other class of persons. 
The object of the inquiry is this - if they can withdraw from a contract unapproved by an officer of the Bureau & irrespective of the contract collect pay for the time served, parties so contracting may be heavy loosers, but failure of freedmen to comply with their contracts
If requires approval please forward orders &c — & give the required information

Very Respt
John F. Hubbard