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that the papers in the case of Agnes Peters, (Col'd) may be returned to these Head Quarters, as they are a part of the records of the Freedmens Court, formerly held in this city.
I am, General,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Servant
(Sigd) O. Brown
Bvt. Brig. Genl, Vols, A.A.A.G.
Official
James A. Bates
A.A.A.G.

(2nd Vol. Folio 195) Potomac September 25th, 1866
Howard Major Genl. O.O.
Commissioner.
General,
I have the honor to submit the following statement.

The greater proportion of the freedmen, now being subsisted by the Government, are living in towns or Counties other than those in which they were domiciled previous to the War.

As each town or County in the state should provide by law for the support of its own paupers, it becomes a question of importance what is to be done with such pauper freedmen as are living in Counties in which they were not domiciled previous to the War, or the state of the emancipation proclamation.

The Counties in which these persons now reside, are both unable and unwilling to provide for them; the County authorities claiming that these people have been forced and kept within their territory by the operations of military orders, and have not therefore gained a residence.

If they are sent back to their former homes, it may be claimed that their absence for the past year, has relieved the County from the responsibility of caring for them; and in most cases no adequate provision has been made for this purpose.

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In many places, the overseers of the poor will not admit that it is their duty to provide for pauper Freedmen; in others they admit the force of the obligation, but claim that their poverty will prevent their doing so.

I am satisfied that if Circular No 10. C.S. from your Head Qrs, is carried out to the letter, death and starvation will result in many cases.

Another class of persons that will be affected by the operations of the order, are those whites who have been classed as "Refugees."

These persons claim that they have been reduced to poverty by their adherence to the Union, that they receive no sympathy, or aid, from the Overseers of the poor, and predict that many will perish for the want of food.

In view of the condition of Affairs herein recited, I would respectfully ask for instructions.

I am, General,
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servant,
In absence of Bvt Maj: Genl. Schofield
Asst Commissioner
(Sig'd) O. Brown
Bvt. Brig. Genl. Vols. A.A.A.G.

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

(2nd Vol. Folio 197) Potomac Septem 26th, 1866
Howard Major Genl. O.O.

Commissioner,
General,

In reply to your communication of 24th inst, I have the honor to report that the records of this office show eighteen (18) cases of murder of Freedmen in this District, since September, 1865.

I am, General,
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servant.