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or will be under a proper system, but with these disadvantages the percentage of sickness is very small, the prevailing disease being Miasmatic Fevers.

At Houston and other points where our Troops have been serving, the Medical Officers have cheerfully rendered assistance to the freedmen. It would be well to send the Ass't. Surgeon's at different points in the State; say at Houston and Austin or Marshal - the duties would be to keep the Freedmen from being an expense to the Government by the establishment of Hospitals as far as possible, by the Doctor attending the sick at his office and their homes, and thus assist the Freedmen in self-reliance. This would be but a temporary duty until the State is organized, and in a condition to carry out your plans of having each County take care of their indigent sick and poor - so far no preparations are made, there not being a Poor-House in the State. What suffering may occur if any, with the Freedmen, will be after Christmas, and I shall effect such arrangements with your approval, as will meet any emergency.

I am convinced that great advantages can be attained by a system of inspection and explanation of orders. Both the planter and Freedman will feel their accountability and know that the powers exerted by the Government is for their mutual benefits.

Being aware of the importance you attach to encouraging the planters and Freedmen to contract before the first of the year, and that all your energies are being directed to secure that end, I have made my report more general than otherwise.

Very Respectfully 
Your obd't servant
S. J. W. Mintzer
Surgeon U. S. Vols.
Surgeon in Chief.

Brig. Gen'l. E. M. Gregory}
Ass't Commsioner}
Bureau of Ref. Freed & A. L.}
State of Texas.}