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L.B. Vol. 2. 306./479 Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, Headquarters, Superintendent Fifth District, Va. Fort Monroe, Va., Dec 11th 1866 Bvt Brig Genl O Brown A.A.A.G. General; I beg leave to state with regard to the "Bates farm" the renting of which has been proposed that in my opinion it should be simply retained on the Books of the Bureau until at least after Feb. 1st 1867 - after that time its restoration might not be objectionable It is getting clearer every day that the severest measures will have to be taken with the non-rent payers; their houses must be torn down and they thrust into the street. Now what shall be done with the large class of women who have many children? We must give the a little time - a temporary home - for from two to six months wherein they can find a place to go to. There must be some mercy in our justice. There is an inhuman side to the policy of restoration; it will soon appear to the
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Reopened for Editing 2023-07-27 09:19:03