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[[preprinted]] 64 [[/preprinted]] 146 Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen &c. Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner. Raleigh N.C. Oct. 6" 1865. Townsend E.D. Brig. Genl. A.A. General /155 Sir I have the honor to request that Bv't. Col. Clinton A. Cilley A.A.G. be detailed for duty in the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands, and ordered to report for duty at these Head Quarters; to be assigned as Superintendent of the Western District of No. Carolina. Detailed Nov. 2d 1865 S.O. 580 A.G.O. Very Respectfully E. Whittlesey Col. and Asst. Commissioner [[line across page]] 147 Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen &c. Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner. Raleigh N.C. Oct. 7" 1865. Cilley Col. Clinton A. Asst. Adjt. Genl. 145/164 Sir In accordance with G.O. 102 A.G.O. War Dept. May 31" 1865, I have the honor to request that the following named officer be detailed for duty in this Bureau, and ordered to report to Maj. Chas. J. Wickersham Supt. of Southern District Wilmington N.C. Henry E. Hawkey, Lieut. 39" U.S.C.T. Very Respectfully E. Whittlesey Col. and Asst. Commissioner J.44. [[line across page]] 148 Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen &c. Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner. Raleigh N.C. Oct. 9" 1865. Seely Capt. A.Q.M. 144/165 From papers received this morning, I judge that Capt. Mann thinks himself required to put the owners of property in actual possession and to [[underlined]] order [[/underlined]] all Lessees to vacate, at the expiration of their lease from the Govt. This is not my view of the matter. We simply restore property with its owner; i.e. we surrender our control over it. We do not [[underlined]] order [[/underlined]] the Lessee to vacate. He may have a right to remain two or five or ten years in possession under some former contract with the owner. If he refuses to leave, it does not concern us. Let the parties interested fight it out. My former letter to you with regard to "a months notice", was intended to express exactly the same view as above. We claim no control beyond the expiration of the lease, in behalf of either party. I have written to Capt. Mann this morning on the subject, and send this to you in order to save you the trouble of giving him instructions. Respectfully E. Whittlesey Col. and Asst. Commissioner E.B. 41. [[end page]] [[start page]] [[preprinted]] 65 [[/preprinted]] 149 Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen &c. Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner. Raleigh N.C. Oct. 14" 1865. Woodhull Col. & A.A.G. /156 Sir I have the honor to enclose the paper of Geo. Bishop without further endorsements, and to ask what "measures" I am authorized to take "to put Mr. B.- in possession of his house". Can I eject Capt. Allen by force? If so, what force shall I employ? This case involves a principle of great practical importance. Many buildings are used for military purposes, and by military officers. Can I eject them all and put the owners in actual possession? I shall need a large army to effect it, and I do not like to undertake a thing without force enough to carry it through. My order restoring property is simply a surrender of all control by this Bureau. I do not undertake to settle questions between Lessees and owners; or between occupants and owners; or between theives and owners. "Let the law take its course" is my rule. Any other would involve me in endless vexations, and guarilla warfare. Hoping that the [[underlined]] order [[/underlined]] upon Mr. Bishops petition may be modified, by a reference of the matter to the Military Commdr. of the Dist. (Gen. Paine) I am Very Respectfully Your Obdt. Srvt. E. Whittlesey Col. and Asst. Commissioner [[line across page]] 150 Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen &c. Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner. Raleigh N.C. Oct. 14" 1865. Wickersham Maj. Chas. J. 128/181 Major In the cases referred to, I think we have no power to interfere. It is a question of law between the negroes now in possession, and the applicants who claim the property. I would endeavour to secure an amicable settlement, by advising the freedmen to pay rent for the houses they occupy and the claimant to accept it, and allow the tenants to remain. I do not see how we can do more for either party. Yours Truly E. Whittlesey Col. and Asst. Commissioner P.S. Accept my thanks for your prompt, complete and very neat reports.
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.
