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War Department,
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.
Washington, Feby 23rd 1866

Colonel,
Anticipating the excitement that will necessarily follow action of the Goverment with regard to the new freedmen Bill you may feel somewhat embarrassd in the duties devolving upon you under the law and regulations already existing, that you may act steadily and firmly in any emergency, you must be prepared for any increase of hostility on the part of those who have so persistently hindered and troubled you and your Agents, and it may be an increase of restlessness among freedmen.

The President has assured the Commissioner that he regards the present law as continuing the existance of the Bureau, at least a year from this time.

Please ascertain and report what steps have been taken in your District by the State and municipal authorities provided for the absolutely indigent Refugees and Freedmen that have been and are thrown upon the General Goverment for support.

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