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[[preprinted]] 488 [[/preprinted]] Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen &c. Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner, N.C. Raleigh, N.C. July 9" 1866. Howard Maj. Genl. O.O. Comr. B.R.F. & A.L. General, I have the honor to report that in accordance with S.O.252, War Dept. A.G.O. of date May 6", 1866, I assumed the duties of Assistant Commissioner B.R.F. & A.L. for this State on June 20, 1866, relieving Bvt. Maj. Genl. Ruger. In forwarding the required monthly reports, I have the honor to report that the feeling between the whites & blacks in this State is, generally, good. In some sections, however, there appears to be a disposition to harass the freedmen, several cases of aggravated outrages having been reported in and about Wilmington, N.C. in the month of June. That the freedmen are almost universally at work and supporting themselves - is shown by the fact that of more than 360,000 blacks within the State, only 3294 are now dependent upon the U.S. Government for shelter and food. There have been issued during the month of June 39452 rations, showing a decrease of 4787 since May. The money value of these rations is $8284.92. Some Sanitary Stores have been issued, value unknown, no Quarter Master Stores have been issued since May 31". There have been 119 Schools in operation in this State during June, which have been superintended by 135 Teachers and attended by 9084 pupils. This report shows a decrease of 17 schools - ten having been suspended until October 1866, and seven closed - a further decrease of 213 Teachers and 1887 pupils. These schools are kept in operation mainly, if not altogether by benevolent societies at the north. There have been treated by the Medical Officers of the Bureau in State, during the last month, 1146 cases, - being a decrease of 92 since May. A temporary hospital with 20 beds was established in June, at Kinston N.C. for the treatment of Small pox cases there. We have had reported but 88 cases of Small pox in the State, showing a decrease of 16 cases since last report. 407 persons have been vaccinated. Considerable destitution and even suffering has been reported among both whites and blacks in various parts of the State, said to arise from the fact that many farmers can neither buy nor borrow food to last them until next harvest. Under your instructions some progress has already been made in relieving this distress. [[end page]] [[start page]] [[preprinted]] 489 [[/preprinted]] [[Footnote 1]] Taking into consideration the repeal by the late Assembly and Convention of all disabling Acts regarding the freedman, and of all laws unequally affecting blacks and whites, and the fact as the laws now stand the white man and black man stand alike before the Courts. I deem it advisable to turn over to the Civil Authorities of the State all cases heretofore adjudicated by the officers of the Bureau, with, perhaps, the single exception of claims made by freedmen for wages for labor performed, reserving to the Bureau the right to resume jurisdiction over any and all cases which the Civil Courts show a disinclination to try fairly and according to the laws as there are now in force. I am, General Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servant Jno. C. Robinson Bvt. Maj. Genl. Asst. Commissioner Official Clinton A. Cilley A.A. Genl. [[Footnote 1]] Howard Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen &c. Hd. Qrs. Asst. Commissioner, N.C. Raleigh, N.C. July 9" 1866. Howard Maj. Genl. O.O. Commissioner, &c. General, In compliance with your instructions to furnish information on the resolution of Hon. Wm Hale, - which passed the House of Representatives May 28", 1866, so far as the same concerned the operations of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands in this State, I have the honor to make the following Report - which comprises answers to all the points in such inquiry, which in anywise apply to the operations of the Bureau in this State. Cash rec'd from rent of houses and tenements | 13,331.88 [[dittos for Cash rec'd from rent of]] abandoned plantations turned over by Treasury Department | 16,553.13 [[dittos for Cash rec'd from]] Fees, Fines, Sales of clothing, lumber and bricks | 1,981.20 [[subtotal]] | $31,866.21 Cash paid for Salaries and services rendered | 16,641.75 [[dittos for Cash paid for]] purchase of horses | 400.00 [[dittos for Cash paid for]] purchase of lumber stationary &c. | 4,340.90 [[subtotal]] | $21,382.66 Cash on hand April 1", 1866 | $10,483.56 No. of Rations issued from July 1", 1865, to April 1", 1866. 1,154,758 Rations - money value | $234,027.11 (No rations were accounted for by the Bureau until July 1", 1865, as they were issued previously by the Military Command.
