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498

Columbia Jany 18th 1868.

Dr. J P Richardson
AAG BRF & AL.
Austin Texas

Sir

I have the honor to report. my arrival at Columbia on Jan 13th- I called immediately upon Mr. Rolf S.A.C (suspended) and showed him my orders.

He refused to give up the papers upon said orders, they being telegraphic and not deeming them sufficient authority He requested me to wait until night when the train was expected with his orders by mail. I consented to do so.

The train has not yet arrived consiquently to day I made a written demand for the papers (a copy of which I inclose marked A.) upon which he delivered up said papers and all property belonging to the office under protest.

I find the office devoid of all necessary articles - such as stove - fuel- Blanks- (except old ones) and stationary. Excepting Foolscap paper envelopes & Black ink

The business of the office is in an unsatisfactory condition. The books do not show a contract for 1868. and yet nearly all the Freedmen have gone to work on verbal contracts, and there seems to be