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0498

196.3"V.1867

Bureau R.F. & A. Lands
Head Qrs. 9th Sub Dist. Va
Winchester, Va. Dec. 31st 1867

Bt. Brig' Genl. O. Brown
Assistant Commissioner
Richmond, Va

General

In compliance with Circular No 6, series of 1866, from our Head Quarters; I have the honor to make the following report of Bureau Affairs in the 1st Div. 9th Sub Dist. comprising Frederick County Va.  The results of the past year have not improved the prospects pecuniarily of the colored people.  The very low wages of the laborer, which he is compelled to take up as it is earned, leaves him but little with which to buffet against a rigorous winter-  The aged and infirm are in a suffering condition- The overseers of the Poor are able to pay a debt of $5600, which was contracted before and since the war, cannot render the [[outdoor?]] assistance which is at this season requisite, and the accommodations at the county Poor House are insufficient.  The very frequent complaints of injustice in the settlement of accounts, which are usually well founded, deter freedpeople from entering into contracts promptly for the coming year-  The high prices of fuel, and house rents absorb a large