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Bureau R.F. and A.L.
Office Asst Sub Asst Comm York Co, VA.
Yorktown VA, April 27th, 1867

General;
Pursuant to your endorsement order dated 16th. In 5th, District, Fort Monroe, VA, April 19th, 1867, I have the honor to remark that perhaps it is unnecessary to give the history of the action of the "Bureau" in connection with the "Cook Farm", as every particular of the same has been fully reported. Last year there were (192) one hundred and ninety two tenants on this farm to whom Mr. Cook leased his land at five dollars for one and one quarter acres, with firewood (a copy of his lease is enclosed). At the end of last year but a small amount of his rent had been paid. In February, orders were received compelling all to pay, or leave. Mr. Cook having repeatedly offered to lease his lands for one more year to all who would pay arrearages, was asked for his lowest terms, which he would under any circumstances allow tenants to remain. You were present at this office, when they arrived charging twelve per annum for one third of an acre of land, with the privilege of fire wood and the tenant was not to be allowed the privilege of the poor man's law of the State.



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