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Hdqrs Sub Dist Talladega
Talladega Ala Jan 4th 1868
O.D. Kinsman
Sub Asst. Commissioner
Montgomery Ala
Sir
In reply to note of T.D. Eliot Chairman on Freedman affairs dated House Representatives Washington Dec 9 1867 calling my attention to resolution of Congress I have the honour to state that there are many important reasons why the Bureau RF & AL should be continued beyond the time now limited by law. The former relationship between white and colored men of this county has been such as to entirely expell all confidence in the two races for a long time to come As a general thing the civil officers manifest no interest in colored mans rights. When he ask for protection he is invariably put of on the grounds of jurisdiction or some other pretense and being too illiterate to demand his rights, too poor to employ council, and his only hope of obtaining justice is by aid and council from officers Bureau. The ratification of the new constitution is yet uncertain should that succeed, the colored man will still be in want of disinterested council otherwise designing men will, in disguise of political sympathy advise and lead him contrary to his own interest. At surrender of rebel army the colored population was thrown helpless upon the world many with large families. The entire income of the country has been from the cultivation of the soil During past two years