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is required to have the "management and control" of all subjects relating to refugees &c. which he could not do if Department, District and other Commanders exercised such "management and control" - unless he became the staff Officer of the Lieut. Genl. Commanding the Armies of the United States.  This is not the interpretation of the Sec'ry of War.  Again the extent of the work is to matters of civil character - as the custody and control and setting apart of Abandoned lands.

Now I admit Officers may be detailed to this duty and act also on the Staff of a Commanding General when the General sympathized in the work touching freedmen &c. his operations would be facilitated by this arrangement, but when the General is adverse or lukewarm as is sometimes the case incalculable mischief arises and I have no remedy.  Again, military force is gradually disappearing and I am already obliged to supervise large tracts of country where there is no commanding Officers at hand.

I appreciate your difficulties and objections, but do not think them insuperable.  Were the Agents of the Treasury to be sent to you to take charge of confiscated lands, funds, schools &c.