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204   
Fort Monroe Va Aug 19, 1865

Respectfully returned to Capt A.S. Flagg Supt &c with the following report.

Mr Schmelz previous to the outbreak of the rebellion, was one of the most violent agitators of secession in Hampton.

He was formerly a soldier in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Monroe, and on being discharged from the service settled in Hampton where he amassed a considerable fortune in the baking business, he was so bitter against the Gov't that fostered him, that sometime prior to the burning of Hampton he voluntarily abandoned his property in that place and removed to Yorktown where he engaged in the baking for the Rebel Army.

His statement that his property is not liable to confiscation is essentially false, for the reason that some of his property has already been confiscated and sold, he has furthermore within a few days previous to the evacuation of Richmond sold his slaves, one of whom is now residing in Hampton, and who purchased his freedom from Schmelz for two hundred dollars $200) in gold.

The conduct of Mr Schmelz from the beginning shows a persistent hostility to the U.S. Gov't - until the dictates of policy required that he should conform to the recent proclamations of amnesty with a view to the restoration of his property. In view of these facts I urgently recommend that his application be rejected.
(Sgd) S Hawk 1st Lt & Asst Supt

Office Supt 1st Dist of Va Aug 21 1865
Respectfully returned to Col O. Brown Asst Comr of Va. and attention invited to the endorsement of Lieut S Hawk which I cordially approve. with a repetition of the recommendation that the property be retained.
(Sgd) A. S. Flagg Capt & AQM &c

205

Richmond Va Aug 24" 1865
Respectfully returned to Maj Genl O O Howard. In view of the facts set forth in Lieut Hawk's endorsement I do not feel authorized to deliver the property without orders from the Bureau Hd Quarters
(Sgd) O. Brown Col & Asst Com
Rcd 24" Aug & Retd 25" Aug 1865
__

W E Whiting
Am' Mis' So'cy
New York 
26" July 1865
Refer 2.B.266.

Complains of the rude treatment of Mr Burgfels a teacher near Fort Monroe Va. for interfering in the case of a colored man - afterwards the colored man was beaten by the Pro' Mar' for obtaining Mr B's interference.
Endorsed 
Richmond Va 24" Aug 1865  Respectfully referred to Capt C B Wilder A.Q.M. &c. (Sgd) O. Brown Col & Asst Com
Rcd 24" Aug & Refd 1865
__
O.O. Howard
Maj Genl &c
Washington D.C. 
10" Aug 1865
Refer 2.B.231
Reply to Mrs H O Hall's letter requesting transportation 
Returned Endorsed Richmond Va Aug 23d 1865
Respectfully returned to Col O.Brown Asst Com &c with the information that this Dept cannot furnish the transportation except on order to that effect from the War Dept.
(Sgd) Wm L. James Col. &. Chf.Q.M.

Richmond Va 24" Aug 1865
Respectfully returned to Capt Stuart Barnes A.Q.M. &c  (Sgd) O. Brown Col & Asst Com
Rcd Aug 24" & Retd Aug 25" 1865
__
Elizabeth Pope and
Laura M Pope
Goochland Co Va
7' Aug 1865

Asking for assistance in finding their helpless colored servants.
Endorsed
Richmond Va Aug 24th 1865
Respectfully referred to Capt Crandon A.Q.M. &c. who will furnish the old and helpless persons on this plantation with such subsistance as is absolutely necessary.  (Sgd) O.Brown Col & Asst Comr
Rcd 24th Aug & Refd 25" 1865

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-13 10:11:16 -For better clarity and searchability, please transcribe each page number on its respective page, rather than both at the beginning of this two page document. -Believe it is Mr. Burgfels, not Burgfils -minor typos corrected ---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-13 12:26:49