Viewing page 144 of 236

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Bureau R.F. & A.L.
Hd Qrs. 4 Div 5 Sub. Dist Va.
Johnsontown Va Dec. 22, 1868

Bvt. Brig. Gen'l. O. Brown
Asst. Comr. Dist of Va.

Sir,

Pursuant to Cir No. 6 S. 1866 Hd. Qrs. Ass't. Comr. Dist of Va. I have the honor to report on the "condition of Bureau affairs"

The freedmen are harder pressed with poverty this month than during any month since my assignment to this Division. Though on the whole their condition is considerably improved, as they will pass the present winter better than the last.

The civil authorities do not provide for the colored poor in this Div. as well as for the whites. Both in the poorhouse and out of it their poor are neglected and receive but little attention, except what is bestowed upon them by their own race.

There is however a growing thrift and prosperity among the freedmen. The number who are accumulating property are increasing.

The freedmen still evince a great degree of public spirit, many are laboring to promote temperence societies, and other beneficial organizations, and all seem interested in promoting the interests of education in their midst

Very respectfully
your obedient servant
D.B.White
Ass't. Sub Ass't. Comr.

Transcription Notes:
---------- Reopened for Editing 2024-03-31 20:06:46 D.B. White per Staff list