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1014

Bureau R.F. and A. Lands
Hd. qurs. 6th Division 5th Sub. Dist. Va.
Mathews Court House Va. April 1. 1868

S.C. Armstrong
Sub Asst. Comr. 5th Sub. Dist. Va.

Sir,
I have the honor to submit the following Report on the condition of Bureau affairs in this Division for the month ending March 31, 1868

Political Condition, inclinations &c

So far as I have been able to learn, the colored people of this Division, have an earnest desire to throw their influence for the election of true and loyal men, but their want of intelligence renders them peculiarly liable to be deceived and misled by designing men, who unscrupulously appeal to their prejudices of Color, and the great danger to themselves is in giving heed to such false teachings. In this Congressional District they have several thousand majority. And I have heard that some, more ambitious than capable, have been urging them to send one of their own color to Congress. This feeling, the white or so styled Conservative population endeavor to strengthen; for they think it would serve to bring odium and disgrace upon the Republican party, and I doubt not they will find Colored men who will join them for selfish ends. Their condition obliges them to depend upon public speakers for direction, and being creatures of impulse they are swayed by those who can strike the chord of feeling: They would gladly unite in the election of capable men for all positions in County and State government, but there is a scarcity of white men who have their confidence. I have great hopes that wise Counsels will prevail, and that their votes may be cast for men who will reflect honor upon

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