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[[preprinted]] 118 [[preprinted]] [[footnote 1]] Nov. 28" 1865 as follows, "Hereafter control over no property will be given up if such action is likely to result in suffering to Refugees or Freedmen, or to seriously inconvenience the operation of the Bureau. Such property will be retained until the necessity for its use has passed," required me to retain this property until provision could be made for the colony of freedmen settled upon it. I had several conversations with Ex. Gov. Morehead the grandfather of the heirs upon the subject, and expressed a desire to have some arrangement made to secure the freedmen from the necessity of a sudden removal, in case the protection of the U.S. Govt. should be withdrawn. I asked at what price the land could be purchased in case the money could be raised to pay for it, stating that the object of such purchase would be to give the freedmen an opportunity to buy the lots occupied by them at something like the price and value of the land before they improved it by their labor. I made however no [[underlined]] proposition [[/underlined]] to purchase, because as an officer of the Bureau, I had no authority to do so, and as a private person no means. No specific sum was ever named by Gov. Morehead as the price of the land, but he spoke of laying out a town and selling the lots at public auction. I replied that that could not be done at present and that the people could not be removed without causing great suffering; that if it should become necessary for their protection I would petition Congress to embrace this property in the then pending "Freedmen's Bureau Bill" with the Sea Islands of S.C. Very recently I have learned that Gov. Morehead requested Maj. Seely Supt. at New Berne to collect for him a ground rent of one dollar per month from each person occupying a lot in the village. This is the only proposition in the case that has come to my knowledge. All of which is submitted. Very Respectfully E. Whittlesey Asst. Comssr. [[footnote 1]] Campbell [[line across page]] [[end page]] [[start page]] [[preprinted]] 119 [[preprinted]] 269 Bureau Refugees Freedmen &c. Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner Raleigh, N.C. May 8" 1866. Seely Maj. F.A. A.Q.M. and Supt. 266/271 Major It is reported to me that Lieut. Hawley charged Mr. Taylor of Hertford County $9. for making out one Indenture of Apprenticeship, placing nine names on one paper. Also that he has made similar charges in other cases. Has he reported on the subject, and paid in the sums thus collected? If so they should be returned to those from whom they were exacted, excepting $1. for each set of papers. Very Respectfully E. Whittlesey Asst. Comssr. [[line across page]] 270 Bureau Refugees Freedmen &c. Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner Raleigh, N.C. May 9" 1866. Britt Chas. G. Esq. Edenton N.C. Dear Sir If you will consult Lieut. Tennant, Asst. Supt. of Freedmen at Edenton, I think he may be able to advise Edward Mayo. If it is a case that comes under our orders transportation can be furnished, if there is any means of conveyance from Edenton to New Bern. It should be carefully inquired however if a change of place will better Mayo's condition. Very Respectfully E. Whittlesey Asst. Comssr. [[line across page]] 271 Bureau Refugees Freedmen &c. Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner Raleigh, N.C. May 9" 1866. Cilley Col. C.A. Supt. West. Dist. 267/284 Col. My attention has been called to the imperfect and careless manner in which some Asst. Supts. keep their records and make their returns. [[Footnote 1]] Please instruct every officer in your District to make requisitions for the necessary books, and keep them in accordance with the rules for conducting all Army business. Be particularly careful also to require from every officer, prompt returns of money received, and of clothing issued, from whatever source received [[underlined]] with proper vouchers. [[/underlined]] Clothing has been given out without even taking the names of those receiving it. Such action subjects an officer to suspicion, and will give him much trouble in the settlement of his accounts. The responsibility of officers receiving public property for issue to freedmen, is the same as if they were commanding troops. Very Respectfully E. Whittlesey Asst. Comssr. [[Footnote 1]] Copy sent to Supt. of each District. [[line across page]]
