Viewing page 212 of 268

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen &c.
Hd. Qrs. Asst. Supt. 8th Dist. Va.
Abingdon Va. Jan'y 31st 1866.

Col. O. Brown
Asst. Commr of Va.
Col.
I have the honor to forward herewith, the following statement in regard to the condition of affairs relating to the "Bureau" in my sub-district.

The Freedmen generally evince a disposition to make contracts and go to work, and in the majority of cases they prefer staying with their former masters. A number of the white citizens of this County (Washington) have shown a disposition to impose upon the Freedmen whenever opportunity offers, but a large majority appear to be doing their best to promote the interests of both parties, by making fair and liberal contracts; such as the Freedmen can live upon, and such as will make it to their