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Report of Bureau Affairs

Bureau, Refugees Freedmen &c
Martinsburg W. Va. January 31st, 1866

Cap't, W. Storer How
A.Q.M Supt. &c

Captain

I have the honor to report that in accordance with instructions from Captain G.W. Wells A.Q.M. &c I proceeded to this place, arriveing here on the 15th day of January and assumed the superintendence of the County of Berkeley. I found the civil authorities Loyal, and willing to render me what assistance they could. I learned that under the existing laws of this state, negro testimony is not admitted, I then notified the civil authorities that all cases in which negros were concerned must be referred to me, they cheerfully complied with my request, I then proceeded to organise the Freedmens Commission by inviteing the City Council (through the Mayor) to select an agent to represent the citizens which they have done, I then called a meeting of the freedmen for the same purpose, and they have selected their agent, the Board will be organized this week.

The condidtion of the freedmen in this

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