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Office Bureau RF & AL
Macon Miss. Dec 13th 67

Sunderland Capt J.W.
AAQM Bureau RF & AL

Capt,
I have the honor to transmit herewith requisition for fuel for office and vouchers favor of W R Jackson, in amount six dollars ($6.00) for fuel furnished.
Very respectfully
Your obedt Servt
Geo. S. Smith
Capt Bt Major
Sub As's't Com'r

Office Bureau RF & AL
Macon Miss Dec 12th 1867
Barber Lieut Merritt
AAA Genl Bureau RF & AL
Vicksburg Miss
Lieut,
I have the honor to transmit the following report of the operations of the Bureau for this Sub-District for the month of Novr 67. viz.
I
The number of freedpeople in the Sub-District is about 20000.
II
Their condition, pecuniary, although not what could be wished, is believed to be better than it was one year ago. Their status as a class in other respects has certainly improved; and there is room for hope that, if justly and kindly treated they will become good and industrious Citizens.
III
Their contracts, with few exceptions, are for a part of the crop, generally for a 4th but in some cases for as much as a 3d.
IV
None at present are suffering from want, still the future is not so promising. Many planters, some from inability, others owing to the unprofitableness of farming, have determined to employ a less number of hands the coming year, consequently there will be a surplus of labor and many freedmen will find it difficult to obtain employment.
V
No rations were issued during the month.
VI
But one school is in operation in this Sub-District, the one here, opened on the 18th uly [[strikethrough]]by[[/strikethrough]] under the auspices of the Society of Friends. It is rapidly filling up and now numbers nearly 200 scholars.
The freedmen of Shuqualak have recently displayed a lively interest in the matter of education, and are moving in earnest to erect a suitable school building, this, with the assistance promised by the Bureau, they will do.
VII
I see no marked improvement in regard to the marital relations of the freedmen.
VIII
The disposition of the whites towards the Blacks steadily improves.
IX
Comparatively very few complaints have been made, and these principally for non-payment of services for last year.
There has not been experienced that difficulty in setting for this years labor, that was apprehended, the employers generally in this respect displaying a liberality truly surprising in the face of