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H 1.
May 15, 1865

CIRCULAR LETTER} 
WAR DEPARTMENT,
BUREAU OF REFUGEES, FREEDMEN, AND ABANDONED LANDS,
WASHINGTON, May 15, 1865.

In accordance with General Orders, No. 91, War Department, I enter immediately upon the duties of Commissioner of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands.

The bureau contemplated in the order will be located at the corner of I and 19th streets. All commissioners, however appointed, who have the charge of freedmen, are requested to make a report, as soon as possible, of the character and extent of their work. The commissioners or superintendents in Virginia, South Carolina, and Louisiana are requested to reported direct to me the amount of land they may have under supervision for the use of freedmen. The Department Commanders in the insurrectionary States will do me a favor by transmitting a copy of the different orders issued by themselves, or by their District Commanders, relating to the government and employment of freedmen. 

Whilst it shall be my object to secure as much uniformity as possible in the matter of employment and instruction of freedmen, I earnestly solicit co-operation from all officers and agents whose position or duty renders it possible for them to aid me. The negro should understand that he is really free, but on no account, if able to work, should he harbor the thought that the Government will support him in idleness.

O.O. HOWARD, Major General,
Commissioner Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands.

OFFICIAL:

Assistant Adjutant General.