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[[preprinted]] 16 [[/preprinted]]

35

Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c
Hd Qrs Asst. Commissioner
Raleigh N C July 26" 1865

Stuart Capt. G.M.

Sir

I am happy to inform you a part of the family concerning [[footnote 1]] whom you enquire have been found. "Joseph Wood is at Edenton N.C. his wife Rebecca is at New Berne and Manuel their son is a deck hand on the Steamer John Faran running from New Berne to Roanoke. Any communication for the father or son may be made through Lt "G H Birdsdale Asst. Supt of Freedmen Roanoke Isld.

Very Respectfully
E. Whittlesey
Col. and Apt. Commissioner

[[footnote 1]] Joseph Wood

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36

Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c
Hd Qrs Asst. Commissioner
Raleigh N C July 26" 1865

Howard Maj. Genl. O.O.
Commissioner
21/48

I respectfully ask for definite instructions as to the management & disposition of the real estate turned over to this Bureau by the Treas. Agt. I have on my hands some 300 farms tenements &c all rented. Can I go on and rent for another year on the same plan that has been pursued by the Treasury Agt.? or must I conform strictly to the Act. Approved March 3d 1865 establishing this Bureau - an act altogether inapplicable to present affairs & almost impossible.
Again for what purpose may the funds accruing daily from rents of these lands tenements &c.  be used? I know of no orders that authorize me to use these funds at all. I take it for granted that the necessary expenses of collecting the rents may be paid out of the provisions of my order. 
There are many grave matters upon which I would be glad to consult you, & I respectfully request that you will order me to Washington as soon as possible after the first of August.

Very Respectfully
E. Whittlesey
Col. and Asst Commissioner

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37

Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c
Hd Qrs Asst. Commissioner
Raleigh N C July 26" 1865

Shaw Esq. Francis Geo.

Sir
Mr. Hawkins in his report of my remarks respecting a store for Freedmen in this city, has greatly exceeded my promises. I did speak favorably of his establishing such a store, and said that possibly I could find a man to assist in managing the business.
But I did not promise to procure a building or furnish transportation for goods. I have no authority to do either. A suitable building could [[footnote 1]] not be obtained for less than $(1200) per annum. Mr Hawkins did not succeed in finding accomodation suitable for teachers, but sent them against my advice, to the house of a colored woman thus subjecting them to no little annoyance.
I think that young ladies should not be stationed in any of these inland towns, without a gentleman to take care [[insertion]] provide for [[/insertion]] them.
My other duties so fully occupy my time that I can do but little, for their comfort. What I can do however to assist them will be very cheerfully done.
Miss Jones & Miss Harris are well & their schools are prospering, Miss brewer has gone north.

Very Respectfully
E. Whittlesey
Col and Asst Commissioner

[[footnote 1]] Mr. Hawkins

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[[stamped]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamped]]

38

Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c
Hd Qrs Asst. Commissioner
Raleigh N C July 27" 1865

Teal Capt. Asa
Asst. Supt.
31/43

In answer to your communication of July 25"/65 I am  directed to reply as follows. All cases of selling liquor to negroes by whites thereby causing disturbance, should be referred to the Dist. Commander that the parties so offending may be punished.
In the case of the woman & children referred by you, you can oblige the former master to let her live in cabin on his premises. And if she has been at work for him in raising the crops now on hand, you can oblige him to pay her a part of the crops as a compensation for her labor.

Very Respectfully
Fredk. Beecher
Lt. and A. Asst. Adjt. Genl.

Transcription Notes:
I think it makes sense and helps the readability of letters to separate off the left hand column summary of the letter from the letter itself. This is also consistent with the more detailed instructions for these particular projects and helps to link the letters to the indexes which use that summary. I also agree with @kdownunder that the senders address on the right hand side should be transcribed first in the letter as this is the normal letter writing style. -@siobhanleachman The Asst. Commissioner's name is Col. Eliphalet (Eli) Whittlesey. The name was incorrectly transcribed on the example page. This has been corrected.