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10.

Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands,
Head Quarters Assistant Commissioner, District of Virginia,
Richmond, Va., January 10th 1868.

Major General O.O. Howard,
Commissioner

General,

I have the honor to state that Officers and Agents of the Bureau are asking for instructions in regard to their duty towards the Freedmen, with reference to political questions - They enquire "whether it is their duty to urge the Freedmen to register and to vote, in favor of such a Constitution as will secure to them their Civil and political rights." 

Also "whether they should advise the Freedmen in regard to the best Candidates to fill offices in cases of Election."

I would respectfully ask for instructions in the matter.

I am General
Very respectfully
Your Obdt. Servant
O Brown
Bvt. Brig Genl. Vols
Asst Comr