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0507

and would not let them return. I have traced these rumors directly to the returned rebels [[strikethrough]] who [[/strikethrough]] some of whom take every opportunity to create distrust of the Bureau, and excite an antipathy equal to their own. By persistent effort I hope to get off some of the numerous orphans hereabouts, but the freedmen are exquisitely sensitive [[strikethrough]] to [[/strikethrough]] when anything said about going elsewhere.

The pressure of starvation and of cutting of two hundred and eighty six (286) rations during the month of June, principally from those of other counties, has made little difference in the amount of transportation home applied for at this office; this difficulty is almost entirely with women and children - but very few men are on my ration lists.

The influence of colored pastors of churches is important. In Slabtown Rev. Mr. Thornton's influence is excellent, nearly all the women who have gone to Boston are from his congregation. From a large church in Hampton Rev Wm Taylor, pastor, very few can be got to go to Boston or anywhere else owing to his want of sympathy with any such movements.

I am Gen With Great Respect
S C Armstrong Supt 9 Dist Va