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0640

R 60 (RF&AL Vol 4) 1866

12 REPORTS OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS

worse traitor than Jefferson Davis, and that, too, before the bureau tempest had reached them.

The entire opposition is political, a warfare waged against loyalty, freedom, and justice.

I have endeavored to administer the affairs of the bureau in Kentucky precisely as in Tennessee; have studied to be conciliatory in every particular and not to interfere in the least with the civil affairs of the State, except my duties and orders imperatively demanded it. As yet, the legislature have enacted no laws securing impartial liberty and right, and I very much fear they will not at this session. The late letter of Major General Palmer, on Kentucky affairs, is truthful and candid. I wish her good people would heed his counsel, and her lawmakers follow his wise suggestions.

There are many old, infirm, and sick, and orphans, in Kentucky, who have been thrown upon the government for support. Rations were issued to this class in December at a cost of four thousand nine hundred and ninety-three and fifty-six one-hundreths dollars ($4,993 56/100)— eight-fold the cost of sustaining the same class of persons in Tennessee the same month. In the latter State the people have much more generously treated the unfortunate freedmen, especially the families of fallen soldiers, than have the Kentuckians; hence the cause of the increased expense to the government of providing for the destitute freedmen. Every effort is being made to secure homes for the widows and orphans in other States. A large number have been kindly received and provided for in Ohio and Indiana. The "Western Freedmen's Aid Commission" have rendered me valuable service in locating this class in comfortable permanent homes.

In making this extended report of Kentucky affairs I wish nothing to "extenuate or aught set down in malice" It is best that you understand the case ully. I rejoice that there are so many persons in the State who treat the freedmen justly and generously. Outlaws in different sections of the State, encouraged by the pro-slavery press, which daily denounces the government and its officials, make brutal attacks and raids upon the freedmen, who are defenseless, for the civil law-officers disarm the colored man and hand him over to armed marauders. In neither Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, nor Arkansas, where I have had an opportunity of observation, does there such a fiendish spirit prevail as in some portions of Kentucky. I trust that ere long the better portion of the people will rise in their indignation and demand that justice be done to all the citizens of the State.

It has fallen to my lot to officially stand by the death-bed of slavery in the United States. Kentucky's throes are but not the aspiring agonies of the great barbarism.

I trust the government will insist upon strict justice for every man, woman, and child who through the Red sea of civil strife has marched from slavery to freedom.

I will try to do my whole duty regardless of denunciations, jeer, and threats of assassination. I will give cheerful heed to your admonitions and counsels.

While I remain in this position I desire the power to protect the poor, the weak, and the ignorant, who confidently look to this bureau for the protection which the State, made rich by their unrequited toil, yet fails to afford them.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CLINTON B. FISK,
Brevet Major General, and Assistant Commissioner.

Major General Howard,
Commissioner, &c., Washington, D.C.