Viewing page 149 of 239

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamp]]
Bureau of RF&AL
Office Asst Supt
Powhatan CH Va
March 31st 1866
Capt Stuart Barnes
Supt 2d Dist
Sir
I have the honor to report that the condition of affairs in this county is very flattering. The Freedmen are working very industriously under fair contracts. Their employers generally are disposed to treat them well, to give the system of free labor an impartial trial and to recognize the entire freedom of the negroes. During the month past I have had but few cases before the Freedmans Court and they were mostly for pay for last years services. I have turned over the jurisdiction in criminal cases to the civil courts but as yet no trials have been had. I have a number of destitute freedmen on my hands and I would recommend that the County authorities be instructed to