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(71) July 21, 1865.
Howard Maj Genl O. O.  
Commissioner &c.

General.
I have the honor to report that large numbers of ex slaveholders of this State are forcing from their homes the destitute and helpless Freedmen living upon their estates. In defense of this proceeding their arguments are. 

1st  The Government in freeing the strong and able bodied has also freed the decepid [[decrepit]] and helpless. The masters freedom from the obligation to support must be as general as the slaves freedom from the obligation to render service, and that it is contrary to all principles of justice to quarter this helpless class upon the property where they happen to reside and also compel their support. 

2d By the operations of the war, they have lost their horses, mules, implements and farming stock generally, and their means are exhausted so that they are unable to provide for this class of persons. even if they were under obligations to do so.

The only argument I can bring against their first position, is, they have had the benefit of the life labor of these old persons which entitles them to a support during their old age. To their second position, I reply that the claim of this class to support out of the estate is a just and valid one, for service rendered and like any other legal claim, is against the real estate, a part of which the proprietor should sell or mortgage, if he cannot otherwise provide for their support.

The officers of the Bureau can undoubtedly secure to these persons kind treatment and force from their former masters 

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the pittance necessary for their support, but such a course will be attended with much trouble and will embitter the feelings of the people towards both the Bureau and Federal Government. I would respectfully ask for instructions in this matter.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt.
(Sgd) O. Brown
Col & Asst Comr.

Official 
J. A. Bates
Bvt Lt Col. & A.A.A.G.

(72) Telegram July 21, 1865.
Howard Maj Genl O. O.
Commissioner &c.

General,
I have the honor to enclose herewith the order for ten thousand dollars to be paid to the Bureau as a donation from the Civil Fund.
 
I have ordered Captain Flagg to examine the Roll of the "Police Force" at Yorktown, and will at once pay the men in conformity to instructions received from your Hd Qrs.

As the General has added to his order "for the purpose of the Bureau in this Department" I would beg leave to state that of course no disbursements will be made without the approval of the Commissioner of the Bureau.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt.
(Sgd) O. Brown
Col & Asst Comr.

Official 
J. A. Bates
Bvt Lt Col. & A.A.A.G.

Transcription Notes:
1/17: partially transcribed. note that O. Brown seems to write his S's large compared to the rest of his lettering. It almost looks like a bloated f, but is recognizable upon seeing it twice. Also, there are spelling mistakes to keep eyes out for. 1/17 - removed [[margin]] none on this page, [[printed]] is no longer required, its 1865 (American Civil War Era), made corrections on what had been transcribed but not completely transcribed ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-01-17 11:35:20 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-01-17 13:04:45 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-01-17 13:27:27 to add spacing - very very hard to read when it is one wall of text