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time that the civil authorities assume this burden. I am aware that they represent their inability to supply the poor, and are prone to neglect the colored paupers. I am satisfied that if their disposition to aid all without distinction of race or color was equal to their means, there would be little difficulty in the way. So long as the Bureau is continued, or the General Government continues to support the pauper class, the local authorities will neglect to do so. But if it is necessary in order to prevent suffering, for the Government to continue a limited issue of supplies, this may be done through the military officers. The military commander has also the power, I believe, to enforce the support of paupers by the civil authorities in counties which in his judgement are able to do so. 
I can continue the school work in Virginia and energize its operations with all the means