Viewing page 8 of 243

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

0007

Office Ass't Comm'r.
Bureau R.F. and A.L.
Tallahassee Feb. 18th 1866

Special Orders
No. 26

III... Capt. John H. Piatt Inspector for the Bureau R.F. and A.L. will proceed immediately to Fernandina Fla. and investigate the proceedings of a meeting of Citizens held in Fernandina on the 8th of February, and report whether there were disloyal, incendiary or improper speeches made, or resolutions offered and adopted at such meeting.

Captain Piatt will also make a strict investigation into the condition of the Freedpeople and Refugees at Fernandina: whether there are vagrants in the town; whether people are unnecessarily supported by the Government; whether in his judgment there is a larger number of Freedpeople there than can procure labor sufficient for their proper support.  If in Capt. Piatt's judgment there is an excess of Freedpeople in the town, he is directed to take such measures as he deems proper to induce them to leave the town and seek proper labor in the country, or to direct their removal to such places as they can procure labor.  He will also direct Capt. Leddy, Sub. Ass't Comm'r. at Fernandina to furnish such persons as may be proper, transportation to places where they can procure labor.

Capt. Leddy and F.W. Webster, Special agent Bureau R.F. and A.L. now at Jacksonville will assist Capt. Piatt in carrying out these instructions as soon as Mr. Webster has accomplished the duties assigned him at Jacksonville

By order Col T.W. Osborn
Asst Comm'r Bu. R.F. and A L.

J.F. Denniston
A.A.A.G.