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are mere boys, who themselves plead that excuse, and further that they will undoubtedly swear on occasion to the truth of their statement now made on honor, whether it be true or false - it is also probable from the temper of the by-standers as related by Maj Carse himself, that they would swear any defence through. It is the dear bought experience of this officer that it is very difficult to fix guilt under such circumstances and especially with the popular sympathy for boyhood it would be injudicious to interfere when there is so great a probability of failure in evidence.

I may also respectfully add that regarding the order to afford such assistance to Maj Carse as will prevent the recurrence of similar outrages, its efficient execution depends upon the presence of some military force which is not at my command. It is the daily case of petition on the part of my Asst Supts who are alone in the middle of hostile districts with perhaps not a single soldier within fifty miles. Even a couple of orderlies would make a great in their protection, as well as in assisting in the discharge of their onerous duties.

Maj Genl. Terry informs me that he has instructions to keep his few troops together and that none can be spared to be detached for such purposed as above attended to. I have already addressed you on this general subject=

I am General
Very respectfully your obt servt
Sigd O Brown
Col. and Asst Com.

Official.
James A. Bates.
A.A.A.G.

(63 1st vol) 16th March
Howard Maj Genl. O.O. 
Commissioner

General
I have the honor to request that Captain William P. Austin V.R.C who has been ordered to report to you for duty in the Bureau, may be ordered on duty in this state to relieve Captain C.B. Wilder A.Q.M. of the property in his charge- Capt Austin has been highly recommended.

I am General
Yr obt servt
Sigd O Brown
Col and Asst Comr.

Official.
James A. Bates
A.A.A.G.

179

(64 1st vol) 19th March
Howard Maj Genl. O.O. 
Commissioner

General
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 17th inst. approving of 1st, 2nd, & 4th paragraphs of my proposed circular No 11 and disapproving of the 3"

As former instructions to officers and agents in this State cover the grounds of the approved paragraphs the entire Cir. will be surpressed.

Lest I may seem to have intended to violate your directions that "relief to freedmen should be only temporary" and to meet pressing emergencies, I beg leave to explain my profered plan - In many cases the counties and corporations are, as I believe, really unable at present to support the whole of these destitute freedpeople, and they make that excuse to all orders requiring them to do so. Others bluntly say that we have freed the people and must take care of them, as the negroes are now taxed, if the local corporations will not support them, and the Bureau must the tax should be directed from the County or town treasury into that of the Bureau.

I proposed to remove the excuse of the inability by providing rations under a receipt which might be considered to render the state and local corporations liable in future to the United States. as an advance made for their benefit, and I supposed that under such and understanding the overseers of the poor combined with the care of the Bureau officers would keep the amount of rations to be issued down to the lowest figure and for the shortest time possible.

Bery respectfully
your obedient servant
Sigd O Brown
Col. and Asst Comr

Official.
James A. Bates
A.A.A.G.

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