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B. 524. R.F. and AL. D of P. 4. V. 1866

Bureau R.F and A. Lands
Office Supt 3rd Dist D. Potomac
Richmond Va Nov, 27th 66

Cook. B. C.
Bvt Capt and Ass't Sup't

Asks for instructions in the case of colored women applying for Rations, who have no husbands, but are blessed with numerous children. States that applications of this kind are on the increase, particularly from the country, in which they complain of their inability to procure food for their children.

Bureau R.F and A. Lands
Office Supt 3rd Dist D. Potomac
Richmond Va Nov. 28th/66

Respectfully forwarded to Brvt Brig Genl O. Brown A.A.A.G Bu. R.F and A.L. Dept Potomac. I find that there are a great number of the Class of persons within referred to, drawing rations. in almost each case the mother is a strong healthy woman. I have instructed Capt. Cook to issue rations, for part of the children, the mother to provide for herself and those for whom rations have not been issued. To those who have already applied for aid, I have urged the necessity of their having some of the children apprenticed, informing them that good homes can be secured for them, where they can be well fed, well clothed, and receive a good education; but in each case, I was met with the reply, that "they could not part with them," it seems they would rather see their children starve, than have them provided for as stated by the Bureau. I respectfully ask that instructions be issued to govern such cases.

James A. Bates
Capt 43d Infty and Sup't

File
[[strikethrough]] with unsettled cases [[/strikethrough]]

[[stamp]] STATE OF VIRGINIA. BUREAU OF R.F & A.L. RECD. HD. QRS. ASST. COMMISSIONER. NOV 30 1866 [[/stamp]]

E and M 180

Transcription Notes:
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