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[[stamp]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamp]]

be general, if the U.S. Officers were withdrawn from the State.

The proper steps have also been taken, toward contracting the issue of rations, by the Bureau, to destitute Freedmen.  But it is deemed advisable to deter from putting this into operation, until the proper authorities of the Counties respectively make some provision for the care of same. - No definite or reliable action has as yet been taken by said authorities and whether it is attributable to their indifference or neglect, or both, I am not now prepared to say.

It is my intention to make a tour through the two counties, as early as is practicable, visiting the principal plantations, and explaining to the Freedmen the position in which the laws of the land leave them, as well as to disabuse their minds of any wrong impressions they may have concerning