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(33)
Richmond, Va. June 24/65

Howard Maj Genl O. O.
Commissioner &c.

General:
I would respectfully request that Captain Daniel M. Ford, 8th Regt. N.Y. Vols, 3d Brigade, 3d Division, 2d Corps, be assigned to duty in this Bureau

I am General, Very Respty &c.
(Sgd) O. Brown
Col & Asst Comr.
Official
J. A. Bates
Brvt. Lt Col. & A.A.A.G.

(34) Richmond Va. June 24. 1865

Howard Maj Genl. O. O.
Commissioner &c.

Genera.
Will you please inform me whether the Quartermaster in the Bureau can employ such civilians as are absolutely necessary for the proper care of their property and papers.

I am General,
Very Respectfully &c.
(Sgd) O. Brown
Col & Asst Comr.
Official
J. A. Bates
Brvt Lt Col & A.A.A.G.

(35) Telegram Richmond Va. June 26. 1865

Howard Maj Genl O. O.
Commissioner &c.

General.
A list has been sent of all confiscated lands in the State. Also a list of Abandoned Lands. Please inform me whether these lists have been received. Another list will be forwarded soon including other Abandoned Lands.

(Sgd) O. Brown
Col & Asst Comr.
Official
J. A. Bates
Brvt Lt Col & A.A.A.G.

(36) Richmond. Va. June 20/65.

Howard Maj Genl O. O.
Commissioner &c

General.
I desire to call your attention to the subject of the church property of the colored membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. You are doubtless aware that the church edifices and parsonages are held by trustees appointed by the Quarterly Conferences. All the churches of the Freedmen in this denomination (although almost exclusively built by the contributions of the colored population) are held by these white trustees — the membership having no voice, under their form of church government — in the ministers that are appointed over them; the appointment being wholly in the hands of the Bishop. It is very important the ministers appointed over these people should be loyal and friendly to progress among the Freedmen. The "Methodist Episcopal Church" of the North and the "African Methodist Church" are both ready and seeking to incorporate these colored Methodist Churches into their organizations and supply them with suitable pastors. And on the other hand, these churches naturally and gladly seek such alliances if they can get possession of their church property. The Southern Methodist conference has been notoriously disloyal. The individual trustees have been disloyal. Now I beg leave to inquire why they have not forfeited their claim to this property and why it should not be confiscated and turned over to the Bureau. The Bureau could then return it to colored trustees of the churches to whom it justly belongs.

I am Very Respectfully
(Sgd) O. Brown
Col & Asst Comr.
Official
J. A. Bates
Brvt Lt Col & A.A.A.G.

Transcription Notes:
partially transcribed ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-01-17 10:19:12 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-01-17 10:33:20 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-01-17 10:54:23 couple of typos ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-01-17 14:52:54