Viewing page 186 of 270

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

War Department
Bureau Refugees Freedmen and A.L.
Washington Dec. 2nd/67

Bvt: Brig: Gen'l: O. Brown
Assistant Commissioner
Richmond Virginia

General,

It is reported officially that in some parts of Virginia men employed are intimidated from voting by threats of discharge, and that many have already been discharged for no other cause than for exercising a right conferred upon them by the Government. Take immediate and effectual measures to check and if possible to prevent such infamous conduct. Have every refugee and freedmen entitled to vote understand that he shall have proper protection to vote just as he pleases, and if he is evidently discharged for exercising this right, see to it that he does not suffer for want of food, and take prompt measures to find him a home and employment. It matters not which party is guilty of such contemptable meanness as to make these ignoble threats, the duty of the 

over

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-02-14 22:40:25