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88v2/67

Bureau R.F. & A.L.
Office 4 Div 9th Dist Va
Staunton Va July 31/1867

Brig Genl O. Brown
Asst Comr (Bureau R.F. & A.L.)
Richmond (through Hd. Qrs. of Dist Va.)
General
In compliance with the requirements of C.O. No. 6 S.1866 (B.R.F.&A.L.) I have the honor to report as the condition of Bureau Affairs in 4th Div. 9 S. Dist that since date of my last report there is no change in the general condition of Freedmen. The amelioration and elevation of their condition is progressing favorably, slowly it is true but perhaps all the more surely.
Employment continue, abundant, much of the crop not yet being housed and threshing of that already saved, pretty general.
So far as has been brought to my notice the farmers have paid harvest wages promptly and in case of disagreement under old contracts where the amount involved is within the jurisdiction of magistrates I can obtain prompt settlement, but with the larger claims of which I have several I can make very little progress as the Freedmen are too poor to sue in the courts in form of law and contend with their niche debtors.
The physical condition of the aged, sickly, and orphan colored persons is much alleviated by fine weather and abundance of vegetable food and although there are cases of need they are within reach of the local