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G36

Headqrs Mil District Lynchburg
July 16 1865

Maj Gen O O Howard
Chief Freedmans Bureau

Sir
Having been informed that some reports have reached this Freedmens Bureau, in reference to my administration here, I have the honor to transmit you copies of my orders

On my arrival in the District I found it [[swarming?]] with negroes wandering restlessly about from place to place without aim and possessed of but one idea that they are now free

This state of affairs was alarming and required immediate correction. Some summary measures were adopted which had the desired effect of settling the labour - all of my efforts were directed to be pressing upon the freedmen's needs their duties and responsibilities as free men & as husbands and fathers 

I very soon found that, and my practical mind must at once see that the same laws