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Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands,
Headquarters, Sub-District York and James Counties, Va.
Yorktown, Va., March 1st, 1867

General;

Pursuant to Cir. No. 6 dated H'd Q'rs Asst Com'r State of Va. dated Jany 29th 1866.  I have the honor to submit the following report of the condition of affairs in this Sub-Disct.  The past month has been one of unusal importance; the difficulties under which we have labored for the past year are to a great extent removed.  General Sewell's recent visit to this place has been productive of incalculable good; the "Freedmen" now more fully understand their proper position, and what the government expects of them, and above all, their minds have been disabused of the idea of "divine right" to lands.  The good effects of the latter fact are seen daily and I do not believe that during the present year land-owners will complain so loudly of non-payment of rent.  Measures are now being adopted (pursuant to recent orders) which it is believed will remove many "Freedmen" from this County without suffering, or resistence, and will be productive of great and lasting benefit to them.  Every energy of this office will be put forth to the utmost for this result and its progress will be duly reported.

Bureau Court.

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