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agent in each county with Hd. Quarters as near the center of the county as it is possible to have it and at the same time communicate with this office. I try to instruct these assistants to be faithful and fearless by gentle in their administration of the affairs of the Bureau — to try to carry out the wishes and orders of the Commissioner and Asst. Commissioner in relation to the Freedmen, and hope soon to be able to report all in running order.

There are many things I should like to consult with you upon but in your absence I must do the best I can with the light I have. I feel the importance of a better judgment and more wisdom than I possess, especially in these hateful land claims. I wish Colonel you would tell me if I shall, or shall not collect the rents for this year on land or lots that have been sold under the confiscation act for taxes. There seems to have been a Reserve made in the sale in favor of the tenants who had settled upon them. Notice was given that they were not to be disturbed in their contracts till they had gathered the crops. I have therefore dismissed in some cases to the purchasers collecting