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0796

was to illustrate the capacity of these people for the privileges, duties, and rights of freedmen, and their fitness and efficiency as a social, civil and military element to cooperate with the government in the speedy reaffirmation of its legitimate authority over rebellious districts

Without definite directions from you, or congressional enactments, we have felt deeply the responsibility devolving upon us, and endeavored to go neither too fast nor to slow; to do too much or too little _, but to keep an eye out in all possible directions, and do or forbear everything necessary.  You are doubtless familiar with the orders from General Grant and the Secretary of War, issued by Adjutant General Thomas under which we have acted.  We have labored to secure to the black man wherever he might be, in the army, navy, or among citizens the freedom you have vouch safed him.  The work has only begun, yet the changes effected would fill volumes to describe. The money interests of the unprincipled, the old prejudices among officers and soldiers and marines as well as citizens, the old customs of masters, the habits and ideas of the blacks themselves, and the fanciful 

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Edited: fixed a mistranscription Added 0796