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Department of State.
Washington, October 3rd 1866.
Major Genl. O. O. Howard
Superintendent of the Freedmen's Bureau
Washington DC

General,
This Department has information, that plans are on foot to lead freedmen to move abroad and in particular to Peru, upon a promise of higher wages than they receive at home, and probably by other inducements.
As there is reason to believe that these promises will not be fulfilled, it is deemed to be the moral duty of the Government to prevent the Freedmen from being imposed upon by them. It is consequently suggested that officers of your Bureau be instructed to advise the Freedmen to be cautious how they conclude bargains to go to foreign countries.
I am General
Your Obedient Servant
(Sgd) William H. Seward

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