Viewing page 149 of 199

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

In the report of General Steedman and Fullerton to the Secretary of War, the following statements appear.
1st  It has been our endeavor to ascertain by a thorough and impartial investigation the manner in which the Bureau has been administered and conducted in these departments.

2nd  We have visited all the towns and cities of any importance, and the Head Quarters of each district of the Bureau in Virginia and North Carolina.

At the time of the visit of these officers (Generals Steedman and Fullerton) to this state on their tour of inspection, I was on duty with the Bureau as Superintendent of the Central District composing nineteen counties with my Hd. Qrs. at Raleigh.
No examination by them as to the business or records of my office was made. No interview between them and myself took place, with reference to any enquiry as to the situation of freedmen's affairs within the limits of this extensive district, although I had served in this vicinity most of the time since the Bureau was put in operation in this State and have probably had as good opportunities of knowing how the business of the Bureau has been conducted, almost from the commencement as any person could have. My office was in the same building as your own, and my books  and papers as ready for their inspection as they were but a few days before for that of Bvt. Brig. Genl. Sewall, Actg Inspector General, who did carefully examine them as well as minutely inquire into all the business of my district, and express himself well satisfied with the condition of affairs.