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War Department, 
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands. 
Washington, Jan 17th 1866

Col. O. Brown
Ass't Com'r
Richmond Va.

Colonel;
Your letter containing the rules and regulations adopted by the Planters at a meeting held Jan'y 5' 1866, at Turkey Island Henrico Co Va, has been recieved. 

In reply, Gen'l Howard directs me to say, the interests of the freedmen have been committed by law to this Bureau. The spirit and letter of the regulations referred to are diametrically opposed to the principles set forth in nearly every circular and order from this office. The freedmen referred to in the resolutions, are at liberty to enter into just such agreements or contracts as they please, and with whomsoever they please, and they will not be restrained

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-09-18 10:26:07 to correct "of" to "at"