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[[stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES  [[/stamp]]

War Department,
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.
Washington, November 20th 1865.

Circular
No 20

It is reported that in some cases, upon the restoration of lands and tenements, under orders from this Bureau, Refugees and Freedman have been summarily excluded from their homes, by the owners of the lands. Hereafter, Officers and Agents of the Bureau will prevent everything of this kind, and sections 7 and 8 of Circular No 15 Current Series will not be construed as authorizing the restoration of lands and buildings before complete and careful provision is made for the resident refugees and freedmen

In all cases of doubt on this point, careful reports will be forwarded to this Office with the opinion of the Assistant Commissioners based on the facts of the case before any order of restoration is made.

(sd) O.O. Howard
Maj. Genl Commissioner.

Approved:
(sd) E.M. Stanton
Secretary of War

(over)

Transcription Notes:
Wasn't sure if the archive stamp should be noted. Good question! This was resolved today (3-19-21) during "On-line Office Hours." Include the archives stamp.