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Headquarters
Post of Jacksonville Fla
June 12th 1865

Capt. S.L. McHenry
Asst. Adjt General
Dist of Fla

Sir:

I have the honor to report that on the 29th of May, Colonel Marple 34th USCT Comd'g. Post, transmitted to me Brig General Vogdes Gen. Order No 22, and a permission to go into the interior of Florida: also written instructions to inquire into the wants of the Citizens, "especially to look after the interests of the Colored people," and as far as possible to establish amiable and profitable relations between the late Masters and the Freedmen. The same orders and instructions were given to Revd J T Oster and E G Stetson Esq, who were to accompany me as colleagues.

At 5 o'clock the same day we left Jacksonville, and that night stopped in Baldwin. At 11 o'clock the 31st the Cars from Lake City arrived, having on board a large number of Colored people, who were on their way to Jacksonville. I collected them together near the R.R. track, the wishes of the General, and of the Government were made known to them, and I have since heard that a large part returned to their former homes.

The same night I reported to Capt Kellogg, 17th Conn Vols Comdg Post at Lake City. He had notice given that a public meeting of the Colored people would be held, and the white citizens were invited to attend. At the appointed hour a large crowd, composed of nearly an equal number of both

Transcription Notes:
USCT = United States Colored Troops