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[[preprinted]] 42 [[/preprinted]]

100

Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c
Hd Qrs Asst Commissioner
Raleigh N.C. Aug 16" 1865

[[left margin]] Saxton [[/left margin]]  Maj. Gen. R.
Asst. Comr. S.C. & Ga.

General
I have the honor to introduce Mr. S.B. Kahnweiller of Wilmington, who desires to recover some cotton stored in Georgia.  Mr. R.- has presented evidence that he has not been engaged in any way in aiding or encouraging the rebellion, & I think he is entitled to his property.
Very Respectfully
E. Whittlesey
Col. and Asst. Commissioner

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101

Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c
Hd Qrs Asst Commissioner
Raleigh N.C. Aug 16" 1865

[[left margin]] Cilley 89/107 [[/left margin]]  Maj. Clinton A.
Asst. Adjt. Genl.

In accordance with G.O. 102 A.G.O. War Dept. May 31" 1865, I have the honor to request that the following named Officers be detailed for duty in this Bureau & ordered to report at these Hd. Qrs. for assignment.
Capt. F.J. Richardson  Co."H." 120" Ind. Vols.
[[ditto for Capt.]] William Helder [[ditto for Co.]] "E" 120" [[dittos for Ind. Vols.]]
2d Lieut. James H. Keefer [[ditto for Co.]] "E" 124" [[dittos for Ind. Vols.]]
Very Respectfully
E. Whittlesey
Col. and Asst. Commissioner

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102

Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c
Hd Qrs Asst Commissioner
Raleigh N.C. Aug 16" 1865

[[left margin]] Blunt, Hargate and Blunt. [[/left margin]]  Anthony, James and Ezekial
Committee of Freedmen at Kinston N.C.

Sirs
Your communication of Aug. 7" detailing a plan for purchasing homes by a Joint Stock Company is just received and meets my hearty approval.  I will by advice and action in person & through my Officers, do all in my power to assist you.  A safe depository for your funds will be needed, where the money will be drawing interest.  An early and good selection of lands should be made.  Kinston is in the District of Capt. James of New Berne.  I will send a copy of your letter & plan to him, and direct him to give you his assistance.
Very Respectfully
E. Whittlesey
Col. and Asst. Commissioner

B.15
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[[start page]]
[[preprinted]] 43 [[/preprinted]]

103

Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c
Hd Qrs Asst Commissioner
Raleigh N.C. Aug 16" 1865

[[left margin]] James  91/125 [[/left margin]]  Capt.

Sir
I do not know that any portion of the farms we hold will be exactly disposed of in accordance with Circular No.13.  I shall use all my influence against any such foolish proceedings, unless you or some other person can convince me that the plan is a good one.  My objections are
1st  The rents at 6 per cent will not pay the cost of collection.
2d  The Lessees (except a very few) will have nothing to work with, and we shall have no means to help them.
3d  The Freedmen taking good lands on such easy terms and with no teams, implements &c. will leave 4/5ths of it to our waste and on the other fifth will not raise half a crop.  I could go on but these are sufficient for the present.
Very Respectfully
E. Whittlesey
Col. and Asst. Commissioner
P.S.  I enclose copy of a plan for ^[[purchasing]] furnishing homes by Freedmen.  A good move I think. -  Give them a lift if you can.

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

104

Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c
Hd Qrs Asst Commissioner
Raleigh N.C. Aug 16" 1865

[[left margin]] Randolph  98/139 [[/left margin]]  Mr. J.F.

I return through you a large number of the Petitions forwarded.  All the claimants assert their loyalty.  But they must [[underlined]] prove [[/underlined]] it.  They must put in evidence that they have not been "engaged in arms or otherwise in aiding or encouraging the rebellion".  That evidence will prove their loyalty, past and present, and will show that their property was not [[underlined]] abandoned [[/underlined]] in the sense of the Act of July 2", 1864.  The Statement of the Petition is not to be received as evidence sufficient to warrant action.
Very Respectfully
E. Whittlesey
Col. and Asst. Commissioner

R.5

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.