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Freedmen in the States specially designated in the proclamation of freedom issued by President Lincoln; that they are not yet lawfully free, but that it is the settled policy & determination of the Government to make them free; & that, meanwhile, they must be patient, quiet & industrious, & endeavor to procure the good will of their Indian & White Masters, to the end that their actual emancipation may be effected on the best possible terms their owners can afford. I assure them also that it is the purpose of the Government to shield them from violence & protect them in their just rights of property & life.

Very respectfully,
Your obt. Servt.
Francis Springer,
Post Chaplain & 
Supt. Ref. F. and 
Abd. Lands,

[[stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamp]]