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88 v1/67

Bureau R.L.&A.L
Sub Dist Augusta & Highland
Staunton Va May 1st, 1867

Capt Garrick Mallery 43rd U.S.A.
A. Asst. Adj. Genl.
Richmond

Captain
In compliance with Cir. 6 S. 1866 (B.R.F.&A.L.) I have the honor to report a condition of Bureau affairs in this Sub Dist, that in Highland County the general feeling towards Freedmen is unfriendly but they avoid all controversy and are gradually migrating to adjacent counties wherever they find opportunity to better their condition.

In Augusta Co. employment is readily procured at fair wages- &8 @ $12 per month for men, with ration, which taking into account the cheaper price of corn meal and bacon is equal to higher rates paid in Eastern Va. Mess. Mason, R. Road contractors wish to employ 100 or more laboring men at $1 per day without rations or $16 per month & Rations, 15 lb. bacon, 3 lb coffee, 6 lb sugar, 75 lb corn meal, & 1 pint salt. Also free passage to the works, between Jackson River and Covington if they remain one month or upward. Mess. Mason & Co. refer to Gov, J.A Pierpont & others for wood choppers $15 per month is offered and such labor is in demand. 

The conditions of the aged, sick and very young both White and Colored is however distressing and I