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[[preprinted]] 480 [[/preprinted]] [[Footnote 1]] it would have been prudent in the present state of affairs to substitute some other mode of punishment, and thus avoid all occasion for complaint or disturbance. In accordance with your instructions, I published a circular March 21st on the subject of marriage, and have taken measures to circulate it very generally through the Department. The condition of the freedmen's Schools is fully presented in the report of the report of the Supt. Mr F.A. Fiske. there is no statement of interest. New schools are being established in country Districts and on plantations. The teachers are faithful & zealous & express great interest in their truly christian work. Under the direction of chief Surgeon Hogan, the Medical Department of the Bureau is continued with efficiency & great usefulness. It is hoped that the time will soon come when this Department can be rendered self-supporting. Capt. Thomas P. Johnston Chf. Q. M. superintends the issue of clothing and sanitary stores. A complete report of these issues will be made at the earliest possible moment. In conclusion I present the following summary of the operations of the Bureau during the Quarter. Statistics. [[blank]] | Quarter ending March 31st 1866 | Quarter ending December 31st 1866 Contracts witnessed | 133 | 327 Freedmen employed by contract | 1035 | 3488 Teachers employed | 134 | [[blank]] Schools established | 119 | 86 Scholars attending | 10,661 | 8056 Cases of difficulty reported in full | 37 | 325 [[dittos for: Cases of]] Crime [[ditto for: reported]] for trial | 5 | 37 Rations issued | 311,618 | 338,834 Value of Rations issued | 66,735.59 | 73443.48 Orphans apprenticed | 130 | 398 Hospitals | 12 | 12 Sick in Hospitals & Quarters | 3,234 | 3,132 Deaths [[dittos for: in Hospitals & Quarters]] | 298 | 355 Financial Reports. Receipts Remaining on hand January 1st 1866 $8,486.39 Receipts from rents &c. in January 5972.74 [[dittos for: Receipts from rents &c. in]] February 1,254.75 [[dittos for: Receipts from rents &c. in]] March 5,818.68 Total $21532.56 [[Footnote 1]] Howard [[end page]] [[start page]] [[preprinted]] 481 [[/preprinted]] [[Footnote 1]] Disbursements Expenditures in January $3270.72 [[dittos for: Expenditures in]] February 3,353.90 [[dittos for: Expenditures in]] March 4,424.83 Total $11049.00 Balance remaining on hand $10483.56 Very Respectfully, E. Whittlesey Col. and Asst. Commissioner. [[Footnote 1]] Howard [[line across page]] Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen &c. Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner Raleigh N.C. May 14 1866. Howard Maj. Genl. O.O. Commissioner General I have the honor to transmit herewith reports of the various operations of this Bureau during the month ending April 30 1866. It gives me pleasure to inform you that in all parts of the State the freedmen are laboring industriously, and that confidence between them and their employers seems to be in a great measure restored. The number needing assistance is smaller, than in any previous month, and the prospect is that this number will be much reduced in the month of May. But few cases of violence or outrage have been reported, and jurisdiction over all such matters is gradually passing over to the Civil Courts, as a disposition is shown to receive testimony without distinction of color. The Schools are in full operation with about the same number of pupils as previously reported. Several officers of the V.R.C. have reported for duty during the month, and have been assigned to Districts where their presence is most needed. The visit of Genl. F.D. Sewall, your Inspector General has been useful to many of the Asst. Supts. He has called their attention to some defects in their method of transacting business and keeping records. A rigid and impartial inspection as often as once each quarter would afford me material assistance. Generals Steedman & Fullerton have also visited this State, Commissioned, as they informed me to examine and report upon the workings of the Bureau. In what purports to be their report published in a N.Y. paper, there are several Statements so suited to make a false impression that I feel compelled to correct them. It would be impossible for the most impartial person to avoid some mistakes, unless more time were given to the careful examination of witnesses, and the sifting of evidence, than a rapid journey over a wide (over)
