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number of this class renders it necessary, indeed almost imperative, that improvements shall be made which the State is unable to do. The improvements asked for by Dr. Brice (part of which are specified in the letter of General Steward authorizing this work to be done,) will cost about $1,876. Dr. Brice proposes, that in consideration of such assistance from the Bureau R.F. & A.L. room shall always be reserved for one hundred colored patients. If, by this expenditure, we can secure this right to that unfortunate class, and prevent hereafter any cavil on that subject, I think it would be a wise investment, and would recommend that it be done.

While in Tuskaloosa, in addition to the other duties specially assigned me, I took occasion to look into the affairs of R. Blair, agent of the Bureau at that place. Henceforth his business has been kept in a very irregular manner. As a partial excuse however I would say that he has kept the books, so far as any have been kept, in the same manner as his predecessors: and as no Inspector has ever visited him, nor until quite recently has he been furnished with a "Bureau Manual," he was not aware that he had not complied with all the requirements of the office.