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1st. Evidence of Special pardon by the President, or a copy of the oath of amnesty prescribed in the Presidents Proclamation of May 29th, 1865, when the applicant is not included in any of the classes therein excepted from the benefits of said oath.

2nd. Proof of title.

3rd. Evidence that the United States has not acquired title to the Land by Sale, Confiscation or otherwise.

O. Brown
Col. & Asst. Comr

16th September 1865.
General Orders
No. 20.

Hereafter, Superintendents in the several Districts of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen & Abandoned Lands will issue rations only to destitute Refugees and to Freedmen. - Destitute whites not Refugees do not come within the province of this Bureau.

O. Brown
Col. & Asst. Comr.

18th September, 1865
Special Order
No. 58.

So far as any jurisdiction of this Bureau extends over it, the property of Edward S. Joynes, consisting of an estate, styled "Montpelier," in Accomac County, Va, is restored to him with all the rights and

privileges of ownership, subject to the requirements of Circular No. 3, War Dept. Bureau R.F. & A.L. Washington, D.C. 22nd May 1865 and upon the following conditions, viz:

1st. The property will be turned over to Mr. Joynes upon the expiration of the lease

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# V

Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, & Abandoned Lands,
Head Quarters Assistant Commissioner, State of Virginia,
Richmond, Va., September 19th, 1865.

CIRCULAR.

Reports having been received at these Head Quarters, that the freedmen, in some parts of the State, refuse to enter into just and reasonable contracts for labor, on account of the belief that the United States Government will distribute lands among them, Superintendents and Agents of this Bureau will take the earliest opportunity to explain to the freedmen that no lands will be given them by the Government, that the Government has but a very small quantity of land in the State, only enough to provide homes for a few families, and that this can only be secured by purchase or lease. They will also explain to them the advantages of at once entering into contracts for labor for the coming year, and that the system of contracts is in no way connected with slavery, but is the system adopted by free laborers everywhere. It is believed that the renting of small tracts of land by the farmer to his laborers would be mutually beneficial. The laborer's interest in his crops and improvements would attach him to the plantation, counteract any temptation to break his contract, and, by furnishing employment for the more dependent members of his family, increase their contentment and their comforts.
The plan of renting lands on shares to the freedmen has been successfully tried in some parts of the State, and is believed to be worthy of a more extended trial. Superintendents will counsel with and assist both parties in making either of the above arrangements.

O. BROWN
Colonel and Asst. Commissioner.
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parties, if any exists.

his order be con-
perty, or to rents

of
Asst. Comr.
A.A.A.G.

1865.

of this Bu-
property of
of certain
of Norfolk Va
all the rights
ship upon the
be turned over

Selden

the case to any
if any exists.

2nd That nothing in this order be construed as entitling him to compensation for damages to the property, or to rents which may have accrued.

O. Brown
Col. & Asst Comm'r.

Transcription Notes:
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