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War Department, Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands Washington, Decr 26th 1865. Col. O. Brown Asst Commissioner &c Richmond, Va. Col. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of Dec'r 21st enclosing a copy of an order which you propose to issue, regulating the subject of responsibility for the care of destitute Freedmen. In reply I am instructed by Maj. Genl Howard to say, that any citizen who attempts to turn out of doors the helpless & infirm will be immediately reported by name, that his case may be laid before the President for his action. Provision will be made by the State or by the General Government to meet cases of extreme want, but until such provision shall be made, your order will be carried into effect. I am Col Very Respectfully (over)