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the husband and family and one woman & her children. The balances he desires removed or rationed by the Government in consequence of his inability to direct or control them.  He will acquiesce in your decision.
(Sg'd) R.S. Lacy Capt & Supt

Richmond Va Sept 7 1865
Respectfully returned to Capt Lacy. I see no reason why this case should be made an exception to existing orders respecting these matters. 
You must aid in controlling these Freedmen and make those that are able to work support their own families.
By command of Col. O. Brown A.C.
(Sg'd) C.H. Coxe A.A.A.G.
Rc'd 7 & Ret 8 Sept 1865


Major Everton
Currituck Co N.C.
18 Aug 1865

Applies for restoration of schooner "Planter"
Endorsed
Norfolk Va Aug 16 1865

[[left margin]] Refer 2.B. 336 [[/left margin]]
Respectfully forwarded. This schooner was seized by the Col & Asst Comrs while acting as asst QM & Supt of Negro affairs by order of Genl Wild. I respectfully submit the question of abandonment for his decision.
(Sg'd) Charles E. Johnston Asst Supt

Office Supt 1st Dist of Va Sept 3 1865
Respectfully referred to Col. O. Brown Asst Comr of Va. 
(Sg'd) A.S. Flagg Capt & A.Q.M.

Richmond Va Sept 7 1865
Respectfully forwarded to Maj Gnrl O.O. Howard Commissioner &c for instructions. 
The schooner "Planter" was found sunk in the Black Water River. She was scuttled to prevent her falling into the hands of the "Yankees" 
The owner Mager Everton was a noted secessionist and had he been disposed to sail the vessel under the Union flag could have profitably done so. The vessel was raised by a man named Hillyard who represented that she was nearly worthless

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and obstructed the navigation of the river. 
He was to receive the vessel on condition then he should take her away. 
When she was raised and brought to Norfolk her value was found to be considerably more than had been represented and a military commissioner decided that the party raising her should be paid for his labor and the vessel be taken possession of by the military. She was turned over to me as Capt and Asst Quartermaster was taken up and is still borne on Quartermasters papers.
(Sg'd) O. Brown Col & Asst Comr
Rc'd 7 & Fow'd 8 Sept 1865


Augustus Watson
Frederickeburg Va
29 Aug 1865
[[left margin]] Refer 2.B.264. [[/left margin]]
Returned Endorsed
Gordonsville Sept 7 1865

Respectfully returned to Col. O. Brown Asst Comr with the following information - I was in Fredericksburg the day after this communication was mailed. I called on Mr. Watson and learned of the representations he had made. 
His partner went with me to examine the condition of the Freedmen referred to. We found them in a building which was comfortable. They were clean, and the building also clean. No cases of suffering from want of sufficient food exist. I saw no evidence of lack of clothing except in the article of bedding. I could not find any persons who were lousy. 
I made a report of the condition of affairs to Mr. Watson. He acknowledged that he had no personal knowledge of the matter, but had written this letter on the statements of other parties. He also promised me to write another letter correcting the statements herein contained. 
I would say that when I was first at Fredericksburg about the 7th or 8th of August an Asst Superintendent  for that place was appointed and received instructions from me. 
Within 20 days afterwards the detail was changed four times Captains Segro, Bohanan, Harison, & Brokaw being sucessevily appointed

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---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-11 16:23:17