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

OFFICE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT FREEDMEN.}
VICKSBURG, Miss., Feb. 6th. 1864.

DEAR SIR:——
Perhaps I cannot better answer the many inquiries in regard to the origin and object of the organization of the 9th and 7th La., Regiments of A. D., than by making the following general statements:

The care of Freedmen, had, in spite of all trials to the contrary, imposed itself upon the commanders of our advancing armies, and shown the necessity of a distinct class of officers. 

Alike the simple principle of subdivision of labor, the peculiar duties of Superintendents, so unlike all other army duties; the vast amount of work required for them, enforced by the necessity. 

The army felt and acknowledged it, so of every one who looked at the subject. 

There was difficulty in getting officers and men detailed, they had duties arduous and sufficient in their old organizations. Beside, guards had ben found necessary in many instances, first of white soldiers, afterwards of black, from the force demanded in the field. But their officers might have no fitness for the work of supervision——the able-bodied freedmen mostly went  into the regiments for active service. Certain male blacks were found necessary to build cabins, provide wood and perform the various labor required in the care of the women and children, and those entirely dependent. These, organized, could, at the same time, do the guard duty required for the care and industry of the people, and relieve so many able-bodied men for active service. Officered by the men fit for superintendents, they constituted the organization exactly adapted for the supervision and protection of the freed people and their industry. 

General Grant, who had most patiently attended to all the perplexing peculiarities of the subject, so unique for the consideration of a commander in the field, saw this fitness and recommended the organization: Adjutant General Thomas was at hand, vested with ample authority by Secretary Stanton, and ordered the organization of the 9th in September last. This was filled at once, except where special obstacles were thrown in the way,——the fitness became more apparent——the necessity of another regiment manifest, and the 7th was ordered. 

Great care was exercised in the selection of officers, that they should be of the strictest integrity and altogether of the right spirit, as well as men of the ability and attainments adapted to the work in hand; at once military, business, and humane in a peculiar degree. As far as possible they were found among those whose fitness had been tested by the labors of the previous months or year. 

The field and staff officers were those considered qualified for the more general duties——in each company care was taken to have one officer or more, adapted for the business of supervision, either local or general. and one or more with military qualifications to bring the companies up to the highest standard of efficiency. 

Made up, as the regiments were, throughout the Department, from Island 10 to Natchez, where this special duty was required, the applications for officers were very numerous——affording an opportunity for the most choice selection. So great was the care to secure the right men, that some of the places were left unfilled for months. 

The organization of the regiments might have been considered sufficiently laborious for those engaged in it, but the necessities of the people in the approaching winter were before them, and though looking at the completion of the organization as one of the greatest means of expediting the comfort of the people, they bated not a jot or title the untold labors of general and local supervision, hunting up and pressing every means of industry——providing food, shelter and clothing, directly from the sources at their command, and inviting voluntary laborers and charity to come to their aid; putting special stress upon the importance of the just payment, by all parties, both Government and private, of all sums due the Freedmen for their labor, alike as means of relief for present suffering and of the elevation of the race. 

What difficulties they have encountered, or, how peculiar, none can know so well as they, and they have considered silence a part of their patriotic sacrifice. This one element of discouragement, one of the most trying to human enterprise and patience, is manifest however, whenever we turn out observation on their most exhausting efforts and sacrifices,——so vast and remove, so embarrassed by the conditions of war——were the ends to be secured for the freed people, that they could at no step attain more than the slightest earnest of a realization. 

Pressing the return of the people to the plantations, where their industry, health and general improvement would be best promoted; urging that a pass or contract in the hands of a black man, should be as sacred and as sure a protection to him as the white man; that his industry should be as justly paid, that schools should be provided, that the martial and all civil relations should be respected and enforced, that medicines and medical attendance should be provided for all sick, and asylum plantations for all entirely dependent, and thus the camps broken up; althouh they could mark progress in these and other respects——many even in this unfavorable season having returned to plantations, many former masters having, in accordance with General Grant's order, become in good faith, employers; cabins by hundreds having been erected for those still in camp: the young having been taught by thousands; industry and its payment, and health and comfort having increased, the rate of deaths rapidly diminished, the violations of personal, social and civil relations lessened in number-still they have been compelled to see idlenes——labor when performed, unpaid-sickness without adequate provision for relief——suffering and ignorance unremoved.

The loyal, benevolent public, have made a noble response——clothing enough, it is thought, is now en route to supply immediate necessities. 

Volunteer laborers have come forward in large numbers, encouraged by the order issued by Adjutant General Thomas, furnishing them quarters and the soldier's ration. 

Transcription Notes:
Transcribed "althouh" instead of "although" (end of the fourth line of the third-last paragraph) and "idlenes" instead of "idleness" (end of the second-last line of the third-last paragraph).