Viewing page 103 of 243

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

War Department,
Bureau of Refugees, Freedman and Abandoned Lands.
Washington, Dec'r 19th 1865.

Col O. Brown
Asst. Com'r &
Richmond, Va.

Col.,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 17th inst. suggesting that as the State of Florida is under Martial Law, the Military Commander could issue such instructions as would prevent the unsaleable public lands in that state being pre-empted prior to their settlement by Freedmen as suggested.

The General directs me to inform you that the Secretary of the War left the city before he could submit the proposition to colonize the Freedmen of Virginia in Florida.

Your attention is invited to the enclosed copy

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-09-15 16:17:38