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directs me to say that your communication of the 27th ultimo has been received and referred to Capt A S. Flagg A.Q.M. and Supt. 1st Dist. Va. with instructions to do all in his power for your assistance.
I am Sir
Very Resply
Your Obt. Servt.
(Sgd.) James A. Bates
Capt. and A.A.A. Genl.

official
Garrick Mallery
A.A.A. Genl.

3.V.365. Richmond Va.
March 1st 1866.

Wilder Capt. C.B.
A.Q.M. and Supt. 9th Dist Va.
Captain,
The Asst. Commissioner directs me to say, in relation to Circular No.1. from your office of date Feby. 21st 1866. that it is held that the officers of the Bureau should not interfere in the matter of contracts between white citizens and freedmen, except to urge upon the latter the necessity of making them, and fulfilling them when made, to examine and approve them, when desired so to do to advise the freedmen when such contracts are liable to be injuring to them, and to annul those which are injuring and unjust, that may have been entered into through their ignorance.
To deny the Freedmen the right to make a valid contract without the approval of the Bureau is practically making him a slave to the Bureau and is preventing him from learning the important lesson of taking care of himself by fostering that feeling of dependence of which he already has too much.
The last paragraph of your Circular is disapproved.

I am, Capt.
Very Resptflly
Your Obt. Servt.
(Sgd.) James A. Bates
Capt. & A.A.A.G.

official
Garrick Mallery
A.A.A. Genl.

3.V.366. Richmond Va.
March 1st 1866.

Green Mr. J.A.
Warwick Co. Va.
Sir,
The Asst. Commissioner directs me to say in reply to your communication relative to the stock on your farms - the same being the increase of said property - that inasmuch as the Govt could, at any time, have sold or disposed of any or all of the stock upon farms which it has held in its possession, and furthermore as all crops grown during possession by the Govt. are recognized as its property, - all rents collected and the money so received used by the Govt. - all fruits grown during season made a source of profit, there is no reason why increase of stock should be regarded in a different light.
This increase is grown under the breeding and care of the possessors for the time being, and should insure to their benefit in the same way as other fruits or results of this protection and possession.

I am Sir,
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
(Sgd.) James A. Bates
Capt. & A.A.A. Genl.

official.
Garrick Mallery
A.A.A. Genl.

3.V.387. Richmond Va.
March 1st 1866.
Telegram

Wilder Capt. C.B.
A.Q.M. & Supt &c.
Fort Monroe Va.
You will rescue from the sale of horses and mules ordered sold by Col. James - 32 Horses and mules as required for the use of the Bureau

By Order of
Col. O. Brown
Asst. Commissioner
(Sgd.) James A. Bates
Capt. & A.A.A. Genl.

official.
Garrick Mallery
A.A.A. Genl.

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