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Staunton, Va. Feb 8 1867

In my examination before Capt McDonald [[McDonnell]], in the case of charges against F.S. Tukey, Supt. of the Freedmans Bureau at this place, I neglected to say that, at the time Lt. Cooke [[Cook]] was relieved, several Freedman in conversation about a petition then in circulation for the restating of Lt. Cooke told me that they had no objection to Mr. Tukey, whatever, one, (Rev. Ephraim Lawson) told me that he was opposed to the thing, that Mr. Tukey had always been kind to the colered people and that he had shown a great deal of interest in the School for freedmen &c.
   
I will also say that I repeatedly heard that while Lieut Cooke, was here as an officer, he spent a great deal of his time in business hours in the Billiard Saloon in company with citizens, who usually frequent such places of amusement.
   
William Howard a freedman who lived with me, and was a scholar in the School, quit, giving to me as a reason, that the Teachers (except Mrs. Dunn) were inattentive and that consequently he was not learning. he is about 17 years of age, and very sprightly.

Respectfully
H. Risk

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-11-02 13:14:07 to correct some typos.