Viewing page 22 of 285

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[preprinted]] 34 [[/preprinted]]

Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c
Hd Qrs Asst Commissioner
Raleigh N.C. Aug 11" 1865

Holman Col. J.H.
Comd'g. Post, Roanoke Island
/90

Col.

When I asked a Commission for Lt. Mann, I could not know of course that he would be assigned to your Regt. I need him very much more in this District or in the Wilmington than in the Eastern.
Having no Command, I depend upon details of Officers for any work, and I need 50 now. To get the Bureau organized and under full headway, I shall be obliged to ask for more assistance from every Regt. in the State, than yours has yet furnished. This necessity of appealing constantly for help is more unpleasant to me than to those who receives my requests. If every District were Commanded by an Officer who felt the same interest in Freedmen with yourself, I might rest satisfied with very few Assistants. But in many parts of the State there is much discontent & disorder. Should therefore the Dept. Comnd'r. see fit to order Lt Mann to report to me, I think it will be my duty to assign him in this region where he is most needed.

Very Respectfully
E. Whittlesey
Col. and Asst. Commissioner

H.4

[[line across page]]

Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c
Hd Qrs Asst Commissioner
Raleigh N.C. Aug 11" 1865

Hoag Capt. J.M.
Asst. Supt. Sub Dist. of Goldsboro
47/93

Sir

Your communication relative to the estate of W.T. Dortch has been received and in reply I am directed to state that in accordance with instructions from Genl. Howard Commissioner of Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen & Abandoned Lands, the property will be set apart for the use of this Bureau by an order to be approved by the President.
You will therefore retain possession of it until further orders.

Very Respectfully
Your Obdt Srvt.
E. Whittlesey
Lieut. and A.A.A. Genl.

[[end page]]
[[start page]]
[[preprinted]] 35 [[/preprinted]]

Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c
Hd Qrs Asst Commissioner
Raleigh N.C. Aug 11" 1865

Cilley Maj; C.A.
A.A. Genl. Dept. of N.C.
79/89

Sir

It having been reported that the Fair Grounds Hospital is no longer needed for military purposes, and that the Small Pox Hospital will now be abandoned, I have the honor to request that both these Hospitals be turned over to this Bureau for the use of Freedmen. Such of the buildings as may not be needed for Hospital purposes, will afford shelter to some of the destitute that will probably appeal to us for help during the coming Winter.

Very Respectfully
E. Whittlesey
Col. and Asst. Commissioner

[[line across page]]
[[stamped]] THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES [[/stamped]]

Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c
Hd Qrs Asst Commissioner
Raleigh N.C. Aug 12" 1865

Eaton Esq. W.A.

Dear Sir

Your letter of the 7" Inst. is just received. I heartily concur with you in the importance of establishing homes for the destitute in many parts of the State, and would be very glad to see some practicable way of doing it.
Can a farm with suitable buildings be obtained, and on what terms?
Can a capable, earnest, upright & kindhearted man be found to manage such a farm, who will make it self supporting? Can such an institution be so conducted as not to encourage idleness and dependence? &c. &c.
I do not see my way clear to leave the Office at present.
Col. Clapp intends to visit your County next week, & I will instruct him to look into all matters touching the interests of Freedmen & to consult with you.
Thanking you for the interest you express,

I am
Very Respectfully
E. Whittlesey
Col. and Asst. Commissioner

Transcription Notes:
*Please keep an eye out for the spelling of Whittlerey. We collectively misread it as "Whittlesey" for the initial spurt of this project, so it's now an easy error to miss in review. **The Asst. Commissioner's name is Col. Eliphalet (Eli) Whittlesey. The name was incorrectly transcribed on the example page. This has been corrected.