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339

July 17

Capt
Your communication of the 13th 
inst has been received. Stating that Mr Russell refuses to appear at your Office to answer to certain charges brought against him by freedmen; that he recognizes no authority in the Bureau, and has been advised by his Lawyer's to take the case before the Civil Authorities under the impression that the Civil Rights Bill has done away
with all authority the Bureau ever possessed with the exception of approving contracts
and issuing rations. You are directed to inform Mr Russell that his attornies are entirely mistaken as to the power & authority of this Bureau. That in all cases where the Civil Authorities shall neglect or refuse to do Justice, the Military power of the Bureau will be made use of to enforce it. In the case of the freedman mentioned, you will