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(2 Vol. 103). Richmond, Va., May 25th/67.
Howard Maj. Genl., O.O.

Commissioner,
General,

I wish to call your attention to a great desideration in the prosecution of our educational work among the Freedpeople. It is a supply of elementary books for distribution beyond the sphere of the schools now in operation. Less than 20.000 freedmen of all ages, out of 500.000 in this state, will have been reached during the current year, by any teacher or book, and yet the greater part of the neglected majority, if supplied with primers or spelling books, would find some person either white or colored to give them a start in the knowledge of letters. Every fireside thus supplied would become a school, and thousands would be taught without expense. There is a universal impatience in the rural districts on account of being deprived for so long a time of the advantages, which they have understood, their brethren of the cities and towns are enjoying.

In some places, a school house has been erected by the freedmen at their own cost and a local teacher engaged, and the only hindrance to the opening of a school is the want of books.

I would be glad to be supplied with five thousand primers to be distributed through the officers and agents of the Bureau.

Very respectfully
Your obt. Servt.
(Signed) O. Brown
Bvt. Brig. Genl Vols.
Asst. Comr

Offical
Garrick Mallery
A.A.A. Genl

(2 Vol. 104). Richmond, Va., May 28th/67.
Howard Maj. Genl, O.O.

Commissioner,
General,

I have the honor to call your attention to an application for transportation to their homes for Andrew Wishburn and others, "Teachers of Free-Schools for 

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Refugees," forwarded from this Office approved May 21st, 1867.

Please inform me if action has been taken on the application.

I am, General
Very respectfully
Your obt. Servt.
(Signed) O. Brown
Bvt. Brig. Genl Vols
Asst. Comr.

Official
Garrick Mallery
A.A.A. Genl

(2 Vol. 105.) Richmond, Va., May 28th/67
Howard Maj. Genl, O.O.

Commissioner,
General,

In accordance with the instructions, I have the honor to submit the following reports of the operation of the Bureau in the Dist. of Virginia for the month of April 1867.

Since the passage of the "Act to provide for the more efficient government of the Rebel States," and the Act supplementary thereto, there has been a favorable change in the condition of the Freedmen throughout the entire State. Complaints of private outrage, and of injustice by the judical tribunals, are at least fifty per cent less than during any month of the last year. This change is undoubtedly due, in part, to a wholesome fear of Military Commissions, and in part to the new political status given the Freedmen, making their good will more desirable to their white neighbors.

As a rule the Freedmen are working well throughout the State. Complaints of their indolence and shiftlessness are becoming rare. Employers are paying better wages and more promptly than last year, but not a full compensation for the labor performed.

The number of Freedmen aided by the Bureau during the past month was Two thousand eight hundred and eighty seven (2887.), of this number one thousand three hundred and eighty five (1385) were in Hospital.

The decrease of dependents from the preceeding month

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