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I have been afraid to trust the Officials of the State Government with any of the duties of Officers of the Freedmen's Bureau, unless they first manifest a disposition to treat the negro in accordance with what is demanded by the orders &c, upon which the organization is founded. 

Some of the Clerks of the County courts have expressed a desire to attend to issuing marriage licenses, which I have met by [[strikethrough]] my [[/strikethrough]] General Orders No 7. herewith enclosed. I think it will give satisfaction to all, relieve us of some of the duties belonging to such civil officers, and assist in gradually throwing the responsibility of Freedmen affairs upon State Officers. 

It seems to me that any attempt to assume charge of the welfare of the Freedmen by the State authorities, with all their prejudices, - and independent of any national control, will result in a failure to secure for the black man what he has a right to expect by the Emancipation Proclamation, and the acts of Congress. 

The organization of the militia in the State has created a greater panic among the Freedmen, than any action of the Federal or late Confederate authorities. It