Viewing page 67 of 219

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

War Department
Bureau of Refugees, freedmen and Abandoned Lands.
Washington, February 28 1866

Circular Letter.
[[stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamp]]

Sir:
The attention of the Bureau has been called to the excessive amount of transportation issued from time to time, for the transportation of Freedmen from one part of the country to another where their services have been engaged by private individuals to work upon their respective plantations. The Commissioner instructs me to call your attention to General Orders No. 138. Series 1865. A.G.O. (copy enclosed) and to request that your orders for transportation be limited to the classes indicated in that order as authorized to receive transportation. When the Planter is able to pay the transportation of his hands, it is considered owing to the great demand for laborers all over the South, that he should do so, and relieve the Government from the expense of their removal.
 
I am, Sir
Very Respectfully 
Your Obedient Servant 
Max Woodhull
Bvt. Col. and A. A. General

Bvt Maj Gen Wager Swayne
Asst Com'r