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2V103

(1)

Bureau or Refugees Freedmen and Abandoned Lands,
Head Quarters Sub, Asst, Comr 8th Sub, Dist, State of Virginia
Wytheville Va May 31st 1867

Capt G. Mallery
A,A,A,Genl
Richmond Va.

Captain,
In compliance with circular No 6 Series of 1866, I have the honor to report the Freedmen in this sub. District are generally employed though at very low wages. They are industrious and frugal, and with few exceptions obtaining a living which is called comfortable but would not bear that tittle in a northern state. There are few cases of extreme destitution. Those from being a want of clothing, which have been relieved as soon as reported. The counties all provide for the support of the poor, without regard to color. It seems to be the settled policy of the whites to take every advantage of the poor men's necessities and pay only the lowest wages, which their forced necessities compel.