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War Department,
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands,
Washington, July 12th, 1865.

Col. O. Brown, Asst. Commr of Bureau as for Virginia,
Col: Your letter of the 8th inst, in reference to Capt Barnes A.Q.M, and Genl Hartruff, /no position to treat him, or the Agent of this Bureau in his District, as his Staff Officer &c, has been received by Genl Howard. A letter on the same subject has also been received at this Bureau from Genl. Hartruff, this letter was answered by Genl Howard and an official copy of the same has been sent to you for your information. From this answer you will learn that Genl Howard is opposed to the plan of announcing or treating any of the officers of this Bureau as Staff Officers of the Commanding Generals of the respective Districts in which they may be serving. The Bureau is an independent organization, and military authorities are required to furnish the officer thereof aid, whenever they may call for it. Genl Grant approved Genl Howards answer to Genl

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