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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands.
Washington, D.C., Feb. 19. 1868

Bvt. Brig. Gen. J. Hayden
Asst. Commr. Ala.

General
The Commissioner directs that you immediately take such steps as may be necessary to prevent starvation among freedmen who have been discharged for exercising the right of Suffrage. You are authorized to use for that purpose the supplies of corn on hand transferring them to points where they may be most needed. You will also see to it that no Employer who has been guilty of such conduct as discharging men for voting, receive any countenance or support from the Government in any way.

Very Respectfully.
E. Whittlesey
A.A.A.G.