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TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT OF REFUGEES, &C.,
DISTRICT NO. 1, STATE OF VIRGINIA,
FORTRESS MONROE, Va., August 12, 1865. }
   In the HERALD of the 7th inst., in a communication from your correspondent at Fortress Monroe, Va., the subject of "Labor and the Condition of the Freedmen" in this section of country, I notice some statements which, without explanation, are calculated to produce false impressions upon the public mind, and are, moreover, a serious reflection upon the officers of the Freedmen's Bureau, as such a state of things could not exist without sulpable neglect or inexcusable stupidity on their part, as there are abundant means at their command to enforce the orders of this bureau in these counties, which forbid absolutely such a state of things as your correspondent alleges to exist.  That your correspondent made the statements contained in his communications with best of motives, and in a full belief of their truthfulness, I do not for a moment doubt; but that he lacked information upon the subject which he was writing upon necessary to enable him to give an intelligent and truthful representation, I am equally certain.  It is true that the people inhabiting those counties (Accomac, Northampton and Matthews) are bitterly opposed to the negro being allowed his freedom, to vote and to testify in court as against themselves; but that they are able to frustrate the government in the establishment of these principles, and to successfully thwart its benevolent designs, I must most respectfully deny.  Indeed, I am prepared to establish the truth of a statement exactly to the contrary.  As to the compensation being from "five to ten dollars per year" for the labor of the able-bodied men, if your correspondent had known he could have informed the public that these "unjust and unconscionable contracts," which were made under the sanction of the commanding officers of these counties last winter, had been annulled by orders of the bureau, which assumed the reigns of government on these  subjects so late as June of this year, and the sub-officers of the bureau in these counties had been ordered to notify all persons interested in that suitable wages would be collected of all who employed freedmen or refugees for the entire season, "basing their estimates on the value of labor before the war when the money went to the owner of the slaves so employed;" which would average about ten dollars per month-clothing, quarters and doctor's bill for the males-and seven dollars per month for females, with the same privileges in regard to clothing, &c.  But if the contracts be examined, it will be found that very many of them receive the very respectable sum of one hundred and fifty dollars per year, thus showing an average of twelve dollars per month, which is quite sufficient for the support of the largest families.  In these counties schools are in successful operation.  Negroes testify as against the white man courts established by this bureau, under orders of the War Department; they pass and repass at pleasure, only so they bear their own expenses.  Children are restored to their parents, and men go to the houses of former owners, and claim their wives and take them to their own homes in other counties, often at the the expense of the government.  Lands are rented to them, shops are erected for them, and they alone enjoy the benefit of their labor; and not withstanding the "fiery opposition" of the white people of these counties.  Negroes are not allowed to be tried by civil courts in Virginia, on account of their laws not admitting the testimony of the blacks.  They are released from jails, when for a time thrust in by the civil magistrates, and their complainants are informed that they can bring their case before the Bureau Courts, where equal privileges are enjoyed; and all this in these same counties referred by your correspondent.
   These statements are equally true of the sixteen counties comprising my district.  I do not doubt but there may be individual cases of injustice not brought to the notice of the proper officers; but I repeat that they are rather the exception than the general rule.  It can not be truthfully said, then, that the "negroes are still virtually slaves," for such privileges were not enjoyed by the colored people before the war.
   I will close by saying that I think, on careful investigation of the facts, so far as my district is concerned (and I think the same is true also of the South generally), the friends of freedom will be satisfied that the government, through this bureau, seconded as it is most heartily by the military, are successfully working out the great problem of universal human freedom; that these are abundant grounds for hope and none for despair.
   By giving publication to these statements you will confer a favor on the friends of freedom.  Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. S. FLAGG,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, and Superintendent Refugees, &c.  

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