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lands they now occupy on the first day of January
next, and as far they have as a general thing been
unable to secure other houses. I have explained to them
that the lands must be cultivated. and no one will
be able to do so but the Freedmen. I have also told
them, that those who were unable to support themselves
on account of persecution for political reasons, would
be assisted by the Bureau in obtaining a livelihood. 

During the month, while a party of colored men
and women were returning from church in the
village of Montrose, in Westmoreland County, (the C H)
and while passing peaceably along the public road.
two pistol shots were fired at them from an upper
window of the County Clerks Office. Fortunately no one
was struck. I have so far been unable to find
out the parties who fired the shots but hope to do so soon.
No suffering for food exists among the Freedmen
as yet.

Very respectfully
Your obt Servt
E.W. Busby
Asst. Comr Bur R. F. &. A. L.