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In the administration of the duties of Assistant Commissioner, General Swayne has manifested much zeal, and good judgment; his orders have been judicious, and calculated to promote the interests of the Bureau; though he has not required from his subordinates so strict a compliance with them, as the usage and interest of Military service, usually warrants. He is an officer of great purity and integrity of character, He has labored constantly to secure the cooperation of the State Authorities, in advancing the interests of the freedmen; in this he has succeeded as well as could be expected, in the present condition of society, and from the disposition of a majority of the people, in this, as in others of the late insurrectionary States.

In this as in some other States, recently inspected, I found a want of promptness in rendering the required returns, and complying with the orders from this office, In a number of the offices of Superintendents, there were no files of your Circulars; in others but incomplete files, and some of the officers were hardly aware of important existing orders. Among the subordinates there was too much ignorance of the instructions relating to property returns.

The Manual which you contemplate issuing, will be of much advantage, and a means, I hope

   

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