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HEAD QUARTERS,
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands,
STATE OF LOUISIANA.
New Orleans, September 23d 1865.

Major General O.O. Howard
Commissioner &c
War Department Washington D.C.

General:-
I received your letter concerning an apprehended negro insurection while confined to my room from which I am not yet fit to be absent.
There is no ground whatever for any fears on that score. The negroes are behaving themselves better than their former masters and are working for a livelhood in a manner which both pleases and encourages me.
Had I the crops gathered from the Colonies I could dispose of able bodied laborers whom I draw rations for and I think I could then show that the whole number are living without any direct expense to the Government, excepting of course the helpless and infirm.
I am issuing a circular to day in regard to the civil authorities which is similar in most respects to that of General Swaine
I was never so apprehensive as I am in giving any authority over the Freedmen to the civil authorities of this State.