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96

Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen &c.
Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner
Raleigh N.C. Aug. 14" 1865

Huggins Capt. Chas.
47" N.Y. Vols

Capt.

Complaint has been made that thirteen witnesses (colored men) were summoned from Greensboro to attend the Court Martial, and testify in the case of Lieut. Clingman, and then sent back without pay.  They had been at work in the Ordnance Dept, but were not paid for the time lost by their absence while here.  [[Footnote 1]]
I appeal to you as Judge Advocate of the Court to see that these men receive the fees to which by law they are entitled, Capt. A. Teal Supt. of Freedmen at Greensboro will cooperate with you in paying over the funds, and getting the proper receipts if you direct it. 

Very Respectfully
E. Whittlesey
Col. and Asst. Commissioner

H.1.

[[Footnote 1]] Returned Aug 19" with information that the witness Freedmen were continued on the rolls of the Ordnance Dept.

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97

Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen &c.
Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner
Raleigh N.C. Aug. 15" 1865

Citizens  Answering questions of

1.  A husband is bound to support his wife & children, and to take them with him wherever he labors, unless he makes a bargain for their quarters and support elsewhere.
2.  A laborer may be dismissed at the expiration of the contract, on payment of the wages agreed upon.  If no contract has been made, and the parties cannot agree, the matter in dispute should be referred to an officer of this Bureau.  (Officers will be appointed for every County as soon as possible.)  If no such officer can be found, impartial referees may be appealed to.
3.  No Standard of wages has yet been made.  It must be a matter of agreement between the parties.
4.  The employer has a right to decide what he will offer as wages;  and the laborer has a right to decide what he will accept. - Whether in money or crops, must be agreed upon by the parties.
5.  The father of [[underlined]] minors [[/underlined]] may be required to take entire charge of them, and he is entitled to their labor, for their support.
6.  The husband is bound to take his wife and family with him, unless he provides for their support where they are.
7.  A man is bound to support his children.  If they cannot labor, and thus earn their food he is bound 

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to procure food for them, either by purchase or as a part of the pay for his own labor.  This also should be a part of the agreement.
In short deal with the negroes as freemen, just as you deal with white hired laborers.

E. Whittlesey
Col and Asst. Commissioner

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

98

Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen &c.
Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner
Raleigh N.C. Aug. 15" 1865

Randolph  Mr. J.F.
Agent
77/104

Sir

I am directed by the Asst. Commissioner to enclose copies of orders restoring property to Mrs. Julia Toomer, Mrs. Huldah Moore, and Sarah E. London and Anna Wright.
In regard to property of Mrs. Huldah Moore I am directed to say that if the present lessee is not working the farms as agreed upon in the lease it may be restored immediately.
A copy of the order restoring property to Sarah E. London and Anna Wright, was given to Mr. Dickinson their attorney.
The orders for Mrs. J. Toomer and Mrs. H. Moore I forward through you.

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

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

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99

Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen &c.
Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner
Raleigh N.C. Aug. 15" 1865

Taggart  Br't. Lt. Col.
A.A.G. Bureau of Refugees &c.
Washington D.C.
64/

Colonel

Enclosed find requisition for Stationary which has been returned to my Quartermaster through Col. Boyd, Chief Qr. Mr. - Dept of N.C.  As most of the articles called for in the requisition are greatly needed in this Office, I would request, as a favor, that you place it in the hands of your Quartermaster to have the articles forwarded to Capt. Thos. P. Johnston, A.Q.M. Raleigh NC. with as little delay as possible.

Very Respectfully
Your Obdt. Srvt.
E. Whittlesey
Col. and Asst. Commissioner

Transcription Notes:
The Asst. Commissioner's name is Col. Eliphalet (Eli) Whittlesey. The name was incorrectly transcribed on the example page. This has been corrected.