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advancement. Capt. Smith in charge is an energetic officer, and his books are kept in compliance with the Bureau manual. The affairs of this county are as well managed as the can be.

4th Div. Fauquier and Prince William Cos. Va. Capt. E.B. Gates V.R.C. A.S.A Com'r. station, Warrenton Fauquier Co. Va. Capt. Gates evidently tried to do his duty as well as he is able, his books and records however are not kept in as good style as I would wish to see them, it is evident to me that his forte does not lay that way, he is a strong worker and his heart I believe is in his work. The freedpeople are in condition as well off as can be expected, some are doing very well, and all are in a fair way to do so - they are in the minority however and the whites having an opportunity to annoy and sometimes oppress them take every means to do so in gratification of their distaste for their position and hatred for them for having voted the Republican ticket at the late election. It requires constant care and watchfulness on the part of the Bureau to secure for them justice in cases which come up before the civil authorities wherein they are parties.

There is but one school in Fauquier Co. which is at Warrenton, and one in Pr. Wm. Co. at Manassas Junction which will be opened about December