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Clarke Co. Ala. Feby 2d 1867.
Maj O.D. Kinsmon
Sir,
In answer to your of Jan 30th I make the following statement.
First the "nature" of the Bureau business done by me was in obedience to orders from time to time given me by Cols Robinson & Washburne. 1st to canvass the County and tell the Freedmen their rights, and priviledges. 
Next, to tell them what was expected of them &c. 
2d. To approve all contracts that were fair and just toward the freedmen, and disapprove all that were unfair. To visit the different Plantations from time to time and to ascertain if the Freedmen were well treated, fed & clothed and to report any violation of contracts by Employers, or employees. 
"Amount of business done."?
I established an Office in "Suggsville" on the 5th of November 1865, and up to the 1st of May/65 approved seven hundred and thirty contracts, writing most of them myself. 
"Up to what date did you serve."
I served from the 5th of Nov./65. untill the 29th of August/66.
"How much of your time was devoted to the Bureau business."?
All of my time from the 5th of November 1865. Untill the first of May 1866. after that, three weeks of the remaining four months, that is, three weeks out of each month. One week out of each month being devoted to my private business. 
"Did it interfere with your private business to any extent"?
It so far interfered with my private business, that I was compelled to hire a man to superintend my Plantation from the 1st of January untill the 1st of September 1866 at a cost of $500. I was also compelled to hire a