mississippi assistant commissioner, letters received ... · a.a.a.g. vicksburg miss lieut in...

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Mississippi Assistant Commissioner, Letters Received, Entered in Volume 2,M–O, Jan. 1866–Feb. 1867, Part 2Extracted on May-22-2020 08:42:04

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L.S. 182 D of M. 1866

Department of Mississippi,Vicksburg, Miss., April 20th 1866.

Col Samuel ThomasAsst Comr for State of Miss

ColonelI have the honor to inform you that Messers Harrison Johnson Dr R.AVaughan and W.E. Gibbs witnesses in the case of the U.S. versus ColVan E. Young have been ordered to report at these Head Quarters onMonday the 23rd proximo to appear before the Board of investigationappointed in Special Orders No 70. Extract "2" Current Series fromthese Head Quarters of which you are President. You will please causethe Board to convene at ten oclock A.M. on that day.

Very Respectfully.Your Obdt Servt.Marcus P. BestowBvt Col and A.A.G.

Mississippi Assistant Commissioner, Letters Received, Entered in Volume 2,M–O, Jan. 1866–Feb. 1867, Part 2Transcribed and Reviewed by Digital VolunteersExtracted May-22-2020 08:42:04





M. 80. F B S M. 1866.

Greenville, Miss.,April 19, 66.

Myers, W. S.

Forwards list of names of planters who desire to have him appointedSub-Commissioner, & will pay his salary.

Represents the planters as desirous of having a military force in theirvicinity; that the Freedmen are working well, much better than wasexpected.

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received * APR 26 1866

2 enclosures

P.H.






Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands,Office of Sub-Commissioner,Greenville Miss Apr. 19th, 1866.

Col. Samuel ThomasAsst. Com. F.B.State of Miss.

Colonel

I have the honor to forward you the names of those planters whom Ihave seen since my return here, and who have subscribed to pay me allthe salary I ask. There are many planters I have not been able to see,whom I know are anxious to have me remain here. Several plantersaround Lake Washington were anxious to pay me a salary to attend totheir plantations only. I could not assent to the proposition, and Iunderstand Maj. Free is with them.

It is the almost universal desire of the planters of this County that asmall military force be kept here, at least for the present. Lately therehas been a large influx of Freedmen from other states. There are manydiscontented spirits among them and the planters are fearful of troubleunless they can be kept under proper restraint, till they have learned therudiments of civilization. The Freedmen as a general rule are workingwell - much better (The planters acknowledge)_






than they ever expected they could do in a state of freedom - Theplanters are looking forward with bright anticipations of success.

I have the honorto be Col. very respectfullyyour Obt ServantWS Myers






M.80 -

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss Received APR 26 1866






Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.Office of Sub-Commissioner, , 1866.

The following named planters I have not seen since my return here,whom I know are desirous that I should remain in the Bureau and attendto their plantations.

Bowen & Anderson F.H. BoyceJohn H Estelle Maj. HarronHolmes & Meares Judge GriffinAlex. Yerger W.P. MontgomeryHenry Rucks A.B. MontgomeryL.L Taylor Maj. McCallasterGen. French John ScottJudge Dixon Dr. HandyH.J. Lonsdale Thos. ShelbyWetherbee & BottsMaj Bolton

W.S. Myers






M 80

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss Received APR 26 1866






Greenville Miss. Apr. 2nd 1866Col Saml, ThomasAsst-Com'r. F.B.State of Mississippi

ColonelWe the undersignedPlanters of Washington County Miss,Respectfully request thatLieutenant W.S. Myers be retained as Agent of the Freedmen's Bureaufor this County during the present yearsWe have the honor to beVery Respectfully yours &c,[[two column table]]---|---Jno. T. Courtney | R.[[E]] SimsWm. A. Hood | G. G. SimsI. L. Yergi | W. J. Wingfield[[blank]] | W H SeeP. Burgess [[Ho??d]] | W. M Worthington[[W A Pera?]] | Jas StoneJames T. Rucks | Ulysses Merchant[[blank]] | W D FrazerSaml. Taylor | F R WindsorJames N Collier | Kirk Wetherbee]]W E Fall | Robt H HoodJames M Collier |A J Tanton |Thos N. Hill |






M. 84. F B S M. '66

Grenada, Miss.April 30, 1866.

May, Silas Capt& Sub-Commissioner,Dist Grenada.

Submits letter report for the month of April.

States that Rev Mr Bardwell, Supt of schools at Grenada, was insulted &beaten by a citizen — on the ground that he was there to make moneyout of the "niggers", &c

P H

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received * MAY 2 1866






Bureau R F & A LOffice of Sub Com Dist of GrenadaGrenada MissApril 30th 1866

Lieut Stuart EldridgeA.A.A.G. Vicksburg Miss

Lieut

In compliance with requirements of S.O. No 43 Bureau of R F & A L forthe State of Miss I relieved Capt S Marvin as Sub Com for the District ofGrenada on the 13th inst. and in pursueance of instructions from officeof the Assistant Commissioner for the state have in the limited timesince assuming the duties of Sub Com visited several of the adjoiningcounties and from the knowledge obtained am enabled to make thefollowing Report

In Tallahatchie County where I went at the request of planters there, Ifound considerable dissatisfaction among freedmen who in some caseshad left their employers thereby breaking their contracts In one case anumber were brought back from places where they had madeengagements to the place where bound by their original contract, whereI saw and

over






2talked with them in regard to their obligations to fulfil any contractentered into by them unless they suffered abuse or had some equallygood reason for desireing to have the contract annulled and even then itwas better for them to disolve the same by agreement with the first partyto the contract I have pleasure in saying that when I left the county thefreedmen were all at work where their original contracts bound them

In regard to schools I would say I found none for the children of thefreedmen except on some of the larger plantations the proprietors hadfurnished books and were instructing them either by themselves orsome member of the family

In Carroll County visited by Lt Blanding Asst Sub Com there was on onelarge plantation much dissatisfaction on account of the arbitrary rule ofthe overseer and the freedmen clamored for his removal and wouldscarcely listen to the advice of the Lieut - and without absolutely refusingto work, worked slowly and unwillingly and at the time of Lieut Blandingsreturn had not become quiet or satisfied, In other parts of the county abetter feeling prevails, and both employer and freedmen reportthemselves satisfied

In Choctaw County which has not






been visited reports of a favorable character come in with the exceptionof several cases of serious abuse and injury to freedmen Two of themare cases of shooting by white men. I have not been able to obtain theservices of counsel and having no means of travelling except such asare furnished by planters who desire the presence of an officer of theBureau have been unable to visit the locality in person In compliance with the spirit of order to Capt Marvin to visit HollySprings and intermediate places I have made two attempts, In any first Ireached Coffeville and while There was taken ill with Ague and feverwhich prostrated me several days ~ on my recovery I again started butwas obliged to return to Grenada. The severe rains having destroyedroad and bridges so much as to prevent the running of trains. I intendfulfilling the order the first of May. In neither of the places visited have Ifound any schools for freedmen except such as I have mentionedbefore. The planters generally appear well disposed towards the Bureau andwe have many invitations to visit plantations we are unable to accept forwant of means to reach them. Rev Mr Bardwell is superintending the






erection of two buildings in this town for school purposes which will soonbe ready for occupancy

Mr Bardwell was on Saturday last grossly insulted and beaten by acitizen of this place a crowd attending and witnessing the assault Hecame to this office and after washing the blood from his face proceededto a magistrates to enter a complaint, where he found his assailant hadpreceeded him complaining of himself received a fine of ten dollars andwas discharged without being bound to keep the peace, threats havealso been made of driving him from the town and burning the housewhere he is boarding on the ground that he is here to meddle with theniggers for the purpose of making money out of them

Respectfully submitting the foregoing reportI am yourVery Obedientand humble servantSilas MayCapt VRO and Sub ComrDist of Grenada






(M85 FBSM '66)

Endorsement oncopy finishedGov Humphreys

E & M187

187






Endorsement on Communication from Capt Silas May Sub Commr F. B.Dist Grenada dates May 1st 66 giving particulars of assassination of 1stLt J B Blanding V.R.C. Asst Sub Com of Said Dist on the 30" ult.

Hd Qrs Dept of MissBu R T &c VB. May 3 66.

Respectfully referred to his Excellency Gov Humphrey for hisinformation, with the request that he will bring the whole power of theCivil Gov't of the State to bear to ferret out and bring to punishment theauthor of the horrid crime herein reprinted. The civil authorities can notdo otherwise than Expect the General Gov't to restore all the vigor ofmartial law in the State, if such crimes can be committed with impunity.Gov Humphrey is respectfully requested to inform the undersigned of his






action in this case and the result thereof(Signed) TH J. WoodMaj Genl Vols Com'dAsst ComrBu R F & A L.






T. 3 (13) 66M-86- F B S M '66

Office Sub Com'ner B. R. F and A LDist Pass Christian MississippiApril 31st 1866

J D Moore 1st Lieut 12th Regt V R C Sub Com'mr

Reports operations of his Office for the month April 1866

P.H.







Office Sub Commissioner B R F & A LAsst Pass Christian MissApril 30th 1866

Colonel Samuel ThomasAsst Com'ner State of MississippiVicksburg Miss

Colonel,

I have to submit the following report of the operations of this office in themonth of April 1866

11th April.Application made to this office by Lasab(freedman) for assistance inobtaining possession of a cow and calf wrongfully withheld by Sancier ofWolf River (white man) Assistance rendered. Lasab recovers hisproperty except the calf Lasab neglects to take further action.

15thFreedwoman Betsy Bassat makes application to be informed asrespects the provisions of the Will of her late Master, devising certainreal estate. Advice and information afforded.

20thFreedwoman Hannah Hamilton applies to recover guardianship of herchild Caroline illegally held to service by Mr Wheat (white) Hannah wasadvised to apply to the grand jury. Failing these to appeal to the CircuitCourt at Gainsville on the 30th proximo






(2)

25 AprilRosalie Saucier (freewoman) applies for an order to regain custody ofher child. Order to that effect issued and promptly complied with.

26 AprilAlexander Wilson (Freedman) applies for assistance to recover salvageon certain cotton Bales - Smith (white) one of the salvors assumedentire ownership. Action taken to compel Smith to show cause whyWilsons claim should not be satisfied.

IITemper of Citizens. White

The Professed Union People residing in this District are few in number.They are very moderate in their convictions and very cautious and inexpressing even these.

The majority of the People in their intercourse with Northern men arecautious and reserved They cannot be said to be absolutely unfriendlybut they are certainly not cordial. The non combatants frankly exhibittheir feeling of aversion.

In their intercourse with the Southern man the Unionists labors undergrave social disadvantage. A disposition exists to cramp the Union manin every direction, and by all means. Attempts of this nature directedagainst the privilege of trading and the right of suffrage, have beenbrought informally to the notice of this office






Temper of Citizens (Black)

With respect to the Freedmen, they are absolutely and unconditionallyloyal; heartily loyal, both in word and deed. There can be no doubt as tothe treatment which animates the whole of them. The freedfolk workwell and cheerfully, they appear to be in thriving circumstances, andmake no complaint as to their wages or the payment of them.

The Freedmen in this District will contract only by the month. TheSystem works well here where there are no large cotton Plantations. Nocomplaints have been made of breach of contract. It would furtherappear that the Freedfolk are able to care for their own sick and infirmno application in respect of such cases has been made to this Office.

The number of Schools for Freedmen in the District is[[3 columned table]]| | Schools | No Scholars ||---|---|---|| Pass Christian | 1. | 21 || Pascagould | 2. | 28 |

Their are other Schools at Shieldsboro, Gainsville and Wolf River, theReports from which have not reached this Office

The Schools are succeeding well the small children learn rapidly. TheAdults of both Sexes and of every age express earnest wishes for






for the establishment of Night Schools. There is a difficulty in finding inthis neighbourhood Teachers competent to take charge of SuchSchools. Suitable buildings and appliances are also needed for thesame object.

Morale is a difficult question Reliable information would tend to prove,that the Freedfolk show a disposition to raise the standard of Morality asEstablished for them by their late Masters. They evince a willingness toassume the Marriage obligation when required so to do.

With respect to the treatment of the Freedmen by the Whites it mayremarked that no complaints of maltreatment or even of evasion ofcontracts have been made to this office. The nature of aid sought for atthis Office would appear to relate to cases, in which the White Man isdesirous of recurring the advantage with superior knowledge and abilityconfers on the White Man.

No opportunity has occurred during this Month of testing the dispositionof the Civil Authorities in administering the law, in cases affecting theinterests of Freedmen.(over)






I am Colonelvery respectfullyYour obedient Servant

John D. Moore1st Lieut 12th Reg & V.R.C and SubCom^[[superscript]]mer[[/superscript]]B.R.f and AL Dist Pass X tian Miss






T.4.(16).66M.87.F.B.S M-'66Office Sub Com'ner B.R.F and ALDist Pass. Christian Mississippi

J.D Moore 1st Lt V R.C Sub Commer

Transmitting Reports for the MonthApril 1866Five enclosures

Expense account referred to R and D.O. see enclosed

P H







Office Sub Comner BRF & ALDist Pass Christian MissApril 30th 1866

Colonel Samuel ThomasAsst. Com'ner State of MississippiBureau R.F. and A.L.Vicksburg Miss.

Colonel,I have the honor to transmit herewith

1st Monthly Report Rrs C and Mns issued2nd Monthly Report Offs & Men on duty3rd Monthly Report Civln Employees4th Monthly Report Operations of the Month# 5th Monthly Report Expenses of this Office

I am ColonelVery respectfullyYour obedient ServantJohn D. Moore1st Lieut. V.R.C. Sub Com'ner Dist Pass Xtian

# Endorsement on Expense Appd.Respy Refd to Rec'g & D.O. Lieut






Moore does not understand the financial arrangements of the Bu.apparently and has no supply of proper blanks. he should becommunicated with on this subject. By order

Signed Stuart EldridgeLieut & A A A G

May 4. 66






M. 88. F.B.S M - '66 -

Grenada. Miss.May 3, 1866.

May Silas CaptSub-CommissionerDist Grenada.

Makes additional statements with reference to the assassination of LieutBlanding; states that they had both been laboring to secure the respect& good will of both whites & blacks in their Dist. Asks for substantial aid& protection

1895 3057 AG.O







Bureau Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands.OFFICE SUB-COMMISSIONERHolly Springs [[strikethough]] Grenada Miss. May 3rd 1866

Lieut Stuart EldridgeA,A,A,G Bu RF&ALVicksburg Miss

LieutI have already reported to Dpt Hd Qr the assassination of Lt Blanding ofthe Bureau and wish to make additional statements. Previous to theunfortunate occurrence we had labored diligently to perform our dutiesin such manner as to meet the aproval of the Asst Com for Miss andalso to obtain the good will and cooperation of those with whom wecome in contact and in this we supposed we were succeeding We hadon our locating in the new office in town formed the acquaintance[[strikethrough]]formed[[/strikethrough]] of some of the most respectableresidents of Grenada and vicinity and had at their solicitation visited thefreedmen on their plantations and in some cases succeeded in quietingdissatisfaction of freedmen and in inducing them to work in fulfilling theircontracts in good faith &c. But the occurrence on the evening of 30thinst came upon me like a clap of thunder

There is great excitement in town, the citizens held a meeting on 1st instcondemning the outrage and visited






me by delegations and anxiously strove to convince me that therespectable portion of the people discountenanced the tragic deed, butat the same time some of them said they were afraid to go out of theirhouses after dark and in some instances that they did not open theirdoors to answer a call without first ascertaining who was the caller.There had been two shooting affairs among citizens since my residencehere previous to the affairs of Lt Blanding - While the court of inquestwas sitting in the case of the Lt- shots were heard and on looking out acolored man was seen running for life pursued by a white who repeatlyfired at him without effect and who finally escaped for the time at least.

Yesterday an old resident of the town B C Adams was for theexpression of some opinion in regard to the recent occurences in thetown knocked down by a chair stamped upon and seriously injured, twoof his ribs being broken

The Civil Magistrates constables &c are most of them away to court atCoffeeville and a perfect reign of terror exists

Under these circumstances alone as I am cautioned by some not to goout of doors after dark notified by others that my life is at stake can it beexpected that I can perform






The duties of my office unless I have some substantial aid andprotection

I most respectfully request that the department commander will takeimmediate cognizance of the matter

I have the honor to remainyou very obt and humble servantSilas MayCapt and Sub Com Dist of Grenada






M-88

Official copy furnished Genl Howard for his information

5/9






___________________________________

OFFICE ACT'G ASS'T COMM'R FREEDMEN'S BUREAU,WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSISSIPPI,VICKSBURG, MISS.,............ 1865.WEBER, Capt. J.HACT'G ASS'T COMMISSIONER FREEDMEN'S BUREAU,WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSISSIPPI






May 7, 1866M-92-F B. S M - 66

Mayors OfficeGrenada Miss,May 6, 1866

McLean- R.D.Mayor

Letter of-In reply to request for information as to assassination on 30th ult. ofLieut J.B. Blanding U.S.A.

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss Received MAY 9 1866






(M 92)Executive OfficeJackson. MissMay 7" 1866.

Respectfully forwarded to Maj Genl Wood for his information.

Benj. G. HumphreysGov of Miss

May 7, 1866M-92-F B. S M-66

Mayors OfficeGrenada Miss,May 6, 1866

McLean- R. D.Mayor

Letter of-In reply to request for information as to assassination on 30th ult. ofLieut J.B. Blanding U.S.A.







Mayors Office Grenada Miss May 6th 1866

To His Excellency Governor Humphries

Sir - after an absence of a week attending our circuit court at Coffeeville,I arrived home on last night and found your Communication of the 4thinstant in reference to the disgraceful assassination of Lieut Blandingand whilst I shall use [[strikethrough]]spe[[/strikethrough]] every effort toferret the matter out and whilst the public mind has [[??]] upon themurderer yet it might be that for the best that it be made public now asthe grand jury is in Session & have had a large number of witnessesbefore them and no doubt an indictment will be found if not alreadydone, Lieut Blanding made dying declarations in reference to it and wasreduced to writing I saw the writing in the hands of the grand jury butcannot now undertake to repeat the language; I will leave again ontomorrow for Court and will confer with (Capt Barksdale), the District Attyif he has any information on this subject I will ask to communicate withyou -

RespectfullyR D McLeanMayor -






M. 93 - F B S M. - '66

Pass Christian.May. 5. 1866.

Moore. J. D. Lieut& Sub-CommissionerDist Pass Xtian [[Christian]]

Requests Blanks and Stationery for use of his Office.

P. H.P. H.


Head Qrs Dept Miss.Bureau R F & A L.Vicksburg, Miss.May. 12. 1866.

Respectfully referred to Brv't Brig General Henry M. Whittelsey ChiefQ.M. Dept.By order ofMaj. Genl Th. J. WoodStuart EldridgeA A A Gen'l.






Office Sub Com'ner B R F and ALDist Pass Xtian MissMay 5th 1866.

A.A.Q.M.B R F and A.L.

Sir

I have not here for use the blank forms- Nos 38 and 40. Moreover Ishould like to draw my stationary for this Quarter. If you will forward theStationary and Blanks I will fill them up, date back and sign so as tomake you all right.

I am Sirvery respectfully YoursJ.D. Moore1st Lieut 12th Reg't VRC andSub Com'ner Dist Pass Xtian Miss






M 94 F.B.S.M., 1866.

Grenada, Miss.,May 16, 1866.

Maj, Silas Capt & Sub-Commissioner Dist Grenada.

Telegraphs that there are no whites needing food, nor seed, and nonehave died of starvation in his District, Based upon the opinion of the bestcitizens

Freedman's Bureau State of MissReceivedMAY 17 1866

Wrapper (Enclosure.)

P. H.

Headquarters Department of Mississippi,BUREAU REFUGEES, FREEDMEN AND ABANDONED LANDS.OFFICE OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER,STATE OF MISSISSIPPI,

Vicksburg, Miss., 1866

Respectfully






M 94






SOUTH-WESTERN TELEGRAPH COMPANY.

Terms and Conditions on which this and Messages are Received by thisCompany.

In order to guard against and correct as much as possible some of theerrors arising from atmospheric and other causes appertaining totelegraphy, every important message should be repeated, by being sentback from the station at which it is to be received to the station fromwhich it is originally sent. Half the usual price will be charged forrepeating the message; and while this Company in good faith willendeavor to send messages correctly and promptly, it will not beresponsible for errors or delays in the transmission or delivery, nor forthe non-delivery of repeated messages, beyond two hundred times thesum paid for sending the message, unless a special agreement forinsurance be made in writing, and the amount of risk specified on thisagreement, and paid at the time of sending the message. Nor will theCompany be responsible for any error or delay in the transmission ordelivery, or for the non-delivery, of any unrepeated message, beyondthe amount paid for sending the same, unless in like manner speciallyinsured, and amount of risk stated hereon, and paid for at the time. Noliability is assumed for errors in cipher or obscure messages; nor is anyliability assumed by this Company, for any error or neglect by any otherCompany over whose lines this message may be sent to reach itsdestination, and this Company is hereby made the agent of the senderof this message to forward it over the lines extending beyond those ofthis Company. No agent or employee is allowed to vary these terms, ormake any other or verbal agreement, nor any promise as to the time ofperformance; and no one but a Superintendent is authorised to make aspecial agreement for insurance. These terms apply through the wholecourse of this message, on all lines by which it may be transmitted.J.C. VAN DUZER, Sup't

May 16 1866By Telegraph from Grenada 16 186To Lt EldridgeA.A.A.G.

First question none second question none third question nonePredicated upon the opinions of the best citizens.

Silas MayCapt SC

17 collect195 Charged






M. 96. F B S M '66

Grenada. Miss.,May. 17. 66.

May. Silas Capt.& Sub-CommissionerDist Grenada.

Makes application for two (2) horses with forage, also transportationover the R R Centering at Grenada. States that the above are necessaryto enable him to perform his duty toward planter and Freedmen.

P. H.







Bureau Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands.OFFICE SUB-COMMISSIONER[[strikethrough]] Holly Springs [[/strikethrough]] Grenada Miss., May 17th1866.

Lt. Stuart EldridgeA. A. A. Genl.

Lieutenant

The good of the service at this point require more efficient means oftransportation - can not two Horses with forage be sent to this place,also transportation over the Rail Road centering at this point.

There is application daily from Planters for a Bureau Officer to visit theirplaces and talk to their hands as many of them are getting uneasy andseem disposed to violate their contracts.

Your early attention is invited to the above

I have the honor to be Sir very respectfully your Obedient ServantSilas MayCaptain and Sub. Com.






M. 97 - F.B.S.M., 1866.

Pass ChristianMay 15, 1866.

Moore. J. D. Lieut & Sub-Commissioner Dist Pass Christian

Submits estimate of necessary expenses of his office for June &requests that the funds be advanced. also, encloses Special requisitionsfor forage & stationery. for approval.

4 enclosuresP.H.


Wrapper===(Enclosure.)

Headquarters Department of Mississippi,BUREAU REFUGEES, FREEDMEN AND ABANDONED LANDS.OFFICE OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER,STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.VICKSBURG, MISS., , 1866Respectfully






No. 40

No. Abstract K 186

Special Requisition

Forage 1 Pub Animal

M 97







No. 40.SPECIAL REQUISITION

For Forage for the Public HorsefromMay 1st to May 31st 1866..372 Three hundred and seventy two lbs oats432 Four hundred and thirst two lbs Hay

I certify that the above requisition is correct; and that the articlesspecified are absolutely requisite for the public service, rendered so bythe following circumstances: The nature of the Duties of a SubCommissioner require him to be mounted.

John Moore 1st Lt & Sub ComnrDist Pass Christian Miss[[strikethrough]] Quartermaster U.S. Army, will [[/strikethrough]] issue thearticles specified in the above requisition.

Commanding

RECEIVED at Pass Christian Miss the of 186of Quartermaster U.S. Army, Three hundred and Seventy two lbs OatsFour hundred and thirty two lbs Hay in full of the above requisition.

(SIGNED DUPLICATES.)John D Moore 1st Lt FRC & SubComnr B R F and A L Dist Pass Christian Miss






No. 40

No. Abstract K 186

Special Requisition

Forage 1 Pub Animal

M 97







No. 40SPECIAL REQUISITION.For Forage for The Public HorsefromMay 1st to May 31st 1866372 Three hundred and seventy lbs Oats432 Four hundred and thirty two lbs Hay

I certify that the above requisition is correct; and that the articlesspecified are absolutely requisite for the public service, rendered so bythe following circumstances: The nature of the Duties of a StateCommissioner require him to be mounted.

John D Moore 1st Lt V R C & SubComnr B R F & A L Dist Pass Christian Miss[[strikethrough]] Quartermaster U.S Army, will [[/strikethrough]] issue thearticles specified in the above requisition.

CommandingRECEIVED at Pass Christian Miss the of 186 of Quartermaster U.S.Army, Three hundred and seventy five lbs Oats Four Hundred and thirtytwo lbs Hay in full of the above requisition

(SIGNED DUPLICATES.)John D Moore 1st Lt V.R.C. & Sub Comnr B.R F and A.L. Drist PassChristian Miss






No 40Special Requisition Stationary[[Strikethrough]] $2 1/2 scial [[/Strkethrough]]1 Ream Letter250 Official Envelopes100 Letter1 Box Steel Pens1 Doz Holders2 piece office Tape

Freedmen's Bureau State of Miss Received Mar 30 1866






No 40Special Requisition

For Blanks for Office Sub Commer Pass Christian Miss20 Twenty Blanks. No 40.1 1/2 One and a half Quires Fools cap Paper1/8 One Eighth “ Quires Envelopes Paper or Equivalent in envelopesperferred12 Twelve Steel Pens and holder1/2 One half Piece Office Tape

I certify that the above Requisition is correct; and that the ArticlesSpecified are absolutely necessary for the Public Service rendered soby the following circumstances. The nature of the business conducted inthe Office of A Sub CommrJohn D. Moore1st Lieut 12th Regt VRC andSub Commer B. R.F. and ALDistrict Pass Christian Miss






Lieut 12th Regt VRC andSub Commer B. R. F and A LDistrict Pass Christian Miss

will issue the articles Specified in the above requisition

Commanding

Received at Pass Christian Miss the of 1866 [[strikethrough]] 1866.[[/strikethrough]] One and a half Quires fools cap paper, Twenty BlanksForm 411 Twelve envelopes, twelve steel pens and holder One halfPiece office tape

John D. Moore1st Lieut 12th Regt VRC andSub Commer B R F and A LDist Pass Christian Miss






No 9.

Estimate of Funds.Office Sub Comner B R F and A LDist Pass Christian Miss.

May 15th 1866.For Service.Bu Ref. Freed and Aband Landsfor Month of June 1866

M 97







No 9

Estimate of FundsFor the service of the Bureau Refugees Freedmen and A L, DistrictPass Christian Miss. by 1st Lieut J. D Moore 12th Regiment VeteranRes Corps in the Month June 1866.------------------------------[2 column table]Item Amt|-----------|------||Known actual expenses to Gainsville Hancock Co| 12.00||Known actual expenses to Mississippi City Harrison Co| 5.00||Known actual expenses to Pascagoula Jackson Co| 5.00||Known actual expenses to Jackson Court House| 12.00||Known actual expenses to Augusta Perry Co| 15.00||Known actual expenses to Leakesville Greene Co| 15.00||Known actual expenses For Office rent| 20.00||Estimated Farriers Bill|4.00||Attending Court and Inspecting Schools| ------|Total est Expenses| $98.00|

John D. Moore1st Lieut 12th Regt V.R.C.Sub Comner Dist Pass XtianHarrison County Miss






No 9.

Estimate of Funds.Office Sub Comner B R F & A LDist Pass Christian Miss.

May 15th 1866.For Service.Bu Ref. Freed and Aband Landsfor Month of June 1866.

M 97







No 9.

Estimate of FundsFor the Service of the Bureau Refugees Freedmen and A LDistrict Pass Christian Miss.by 1st Lieut J. D Moore 12th Regiment Vet Res Corps for the Month ofJune 1866-----------------------------[[4 columned table]]|No. | Service | $ | Cts

1 |Known actual expenses to Gainsville Hancock Co| |12|002 |Known actual expenses to Miss City Harrison Co|5 |003 |Known actual expenses to Pascagoula Jackson Co| 12 004 |Known actual expenses to Jackson Court House |12 |005 |Known actual expenses to Augusta Perry Co | 15 |006 |Known actual expenses to Leakesville Greene Co| 15 |007 |Known actual expenses to Office rent | 20 |008 |Estimated Farriers Bill |4 |00|Total Estimated Expenses $|98 |00{Attending Courts and Inspecting Schools|-----------------------------John D. Moore1st Lieut 12th Regt V.R.C.Sub Comner Dist Pass ChristianHarrison County Miss.






Office Sub Comner B R F & A LDist Pass Christian MissMay 15th 1866.J.D. Moore 1st Lt VRC & Sub Comr-----------------------------Makes Appln for Funds for the Service of the Bureau in Pass Christian1 (21) 66 Encl 3[Stamp]M 97Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received * MAY 20 1866






Office Sub Comner B R F & ALDist Pass Christian Miss.May 15th 1866.

Major General Th J WoodAsst Comner B. R F and A LState of MississippiVicksburg Miss.

General,

In submitting the enclosed estimate I would wish to represent that I donot possess the means both to advance funds for the expenses of thisDistrict, and meet at the same time current expenses at the extravagantrates prevailing at the South. Therefore I would respectfully urge that theaccommodation for which I now apply be afforded.

I am Generalvery respectfullyYour obedient ServantJohn D. Moore1st Lieut 12th Regt V.R.CSub Comner Bu R F and A LDist Pass Christian Miss






No 40

Special Requisition

Stationary

M 97







No. 40Special Requisition============================For blanks for office Sub Commr Pass Christian20 Twenty Blank Forms No 401 1/2 One and a half Quires tap Paper1/8 One Eighth Quires enveloped Paper12 Twelve Steel pens and holder1/2 One half piece office tape==========================I certify that the above Requisition is correct and that the articlesspecified are absolutely necessary for the public service; rendered so bythe following circumstances: The nature of the business conducted inthe office of a Liet Commissioner.John D Moore1st Liet 12th Reg VRCSub Commer RBF and ALDistrict Pass Christian Miss






John D Moore1st Leit 12th Reg VRC[sp]Sub Commr BRF and ALDistrict Pass Christian Miss

Will issue the articles specified in the above RequisitionCommandingReceived at Pass Christian Miss the of 1866 20 blank forms No 40.One and half Quires fools cap paperTwelve envelopes. Twelve Steel Pens and holder. One half piece officetape.John D Moore1st Lieut 12th Reg VRCanSub Commer BRF and ALDistrict Pass Christian Miss






M.98. F.B.S.M., 1866.

Natchez, MissMay 18th, 1866.

Murphey and Gains

Acknowledg receipt of decision adverse to their lease from the Gov't -State that they are damaged to the am't of $1000- by this decision andshall report the case to Washington for adjudication.

P.H.


Wrapper ===(Enclosure.)

Headquarters Department of Mississippi.Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.Office of Assistant Commissioner,State of Mississippi,Vicksburg, Miss., ..., 1866

Respectfully






M98

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss Received May 22 1866






Natchez May 1866Maj. Gen. Thos. J. WoodCommandingAsst Com Bureau R. F. & A. L.Vicksburg Miss.

"Dear Sir"Your decision adverse to our Lease was not expected and has worked agreat hardship and damage to us, we are northern men, and rentedproperty of the government through the Bureau for the period of oneyear. Our lease terminated first next September. The Rutherfordproperty was released subject to our Lease and the Bureau heresustained us, we made no defense but relyed upon our Lease in aJustice Court, prejudiced of course against all northern men, we simplyfollowed the direction of the agent here to pay rent to Mr. Rutherfordsagent G M Davis and you have placed us in an unfortunate position byviolating Gen Grant's order for by it we were protected, we never madeany contract with any party but government, and the fast young manrepresenting Mr Davis was






the Dept Sheriff working hard to give his father & partner our Stand thatwe had made valuable by our improvements on the property & businesswe had made, we simply have this to say that our loss in vacating theproperty in violation of the Lease will perhaps be about $1000 having tostore about $40000, worth of goods Such goods as were bought for TheStand & Season, and all simply for following the direction ofgovernment, we shall stand it the best we can, and report the case atWashington, for damage We are well known there, better than here, wefeel that you were imposed upon & that had you known all the facts,would not [[strikethrough]] refersed [[/strikethrough]] reversed the acts ofCol Thomas & his subordinates. Had we made a defense in court wewould have shown the case as it was but when the Justice of the Peacenoted our documentary evidence and allowed parole, we had no desireto contest in court, relying on government to carry out its contracts anorders,

RespectfullyMurphy & Gavins






M. 99 - F.B.S.M. '66Davis Bend, Miss.May 18, 1866

Montgomery, W.T.& others (colored).

Ask if they still have authority to try cases in their court, which wasestablished by verbal authority from Col Thomas.

P H







Davis - Bend MissMay 18th 1866-

Major, Genl J. T. WoodComdg Dpt. and Asst Comr, R. F. and A.B.L

Genl

You are probably aware of a court being held here by verbal authorityfrom Col Saml Thomas The Col. being relieved we doubt our authority toact further, We have among us some lawless men who are capable ofperforming most any act of villainy.

Very lately they have killed and wounded some several head of cattle,for running on their fields, and under the circumstances we do notbelieve they have any law - to protect them, we believe these menshould be brought to justice as it would be an example for many othersWe appeal to you, Genl, to know our best and most effective[[strikethrough]] mode [[/strikethrough]] course to pursue. Whether anattempt to correct it here, would be sustained by you, or bring the casebefore the civil court at V.Burg.

Very RespectfullyYour Obt Servts -






W. T Montgomery ColoredWm Lewis Jr ColoredGeo. W. Boyd Col

The above names are those who once acted as judges here -






M-100- F.B.S.M- '66Executive Office.Jackson Miss.May 18. 1866

Mississippi State of B. G. Humphreys Governay

He knowledges receipt of communication of the 15th inst. concerningdestitute in Mississippi. States that he has no information on the subject:but thinks there is some destitution. has heard of us case of starvation.

P.H.

[[Oval Stamp]]Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received *MAY251866[[/Oval Stamp]]

[[Upside down Circular Stamp]]FREEDMEN'S bUREAU STATE OF MISS.MAY181866[[/Upside down Circular Stamp]]






Executive Office,Jackson, Miss., May 18th 1866.

Genl-

Yours of 15th inst [[?]] received yesterday - [[??]] I find there is noinformation in [[?]] of the Departments of Miss State over the subjectsyou wish information, and no means at my command that [[?]] me toascertain it - There is some destitutes in portions of Miss State at thistime, but no case of starvation that I have heard of -

The [[?]]rains [[?]] pretty well let [[??]] question of bread meat and cottonand starvation will [[?]] if Mississippi [[???]]

ToMaj Genl T. J. WoodCounty Department of Mississippi

Very respectfullyY obb Sert[[?]] G. HumphreysGov of Miss-






M-101- F. B. S. M. '66Grenada. May. 24/66.

May. Silas. Capt. & Sub- CommissionerDist Grenada

States that since forwarding telegram of the 16th concerning destitute inhis Dist. he has rec'd eight 181 applications for assistance; that theState has a fund of $60.""" - for the relief of such persons. which he isinformed will be distributed next month.

P H

[[Oval Stamp]]Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received *MAY261866[[/Oval Stamp]]






Dist of GrenadaBu. Refugees Freedmen & A.L.Grenada Miss May 24th 1866

S. EldridgeLt and A.A.G.

Lieutenant

Since forwarding telegram dated May 16th 1866, which was predicatedon the opinion of the civil authorities of this Place. Eight applicationshave already been read for assistance. The state has a fund for therelief of such someone amounting to sixty thousand dollars. This I aminformed will be distributed next month.

The names and addresses of the parties who apply we take and sendthem to the civic authorities for immediate relief.

I will report the number making applications at the end of the month. Thetender of relief by the Government has made a very favorableimpression on the people.

I have the honor to be Sir






Very respectfully yourobedient Servant[[signature of]] Silar MayCapt and Sub CommissionerBu. R.F. and a.L.

{L.B.P 12}

[[end of page]]






M_112_F.B.S.M.1866

Grenada. MissMay. 21. 1866.

Maj. Silas Capt& Sub-CommissionerDist Grenada.

States that he has had an interview with the detective sent to work upthe case of the assassination of Lieut. Blanding. and is satisfied thatunless U.S. troops are sent the labor will be in vain &c.

PH

Freedmen Bureau State of MissMay 29 1866 Received

A A GEN'S OFFICE DEPT MISS. RECEIVED May 28 18661895 3057 A.G.O.

Have two copies of this made.W

P






Bureau Refugees Freedmen and A LandsOffice sub com Dist of GrenadaGrenada Miss May 21st 1866

Brevt Col M P RestowAAG Dist Miss

ColonelI have the honor to state that I have had an interview with the detectivesent here to work up the case of the late assassination and have givenhim such information in regard to parties suspected as is in myprofession.

I am satisfied that unless we have US Troops here that his labor will bein vain. The gang is large although a small minority of the people I havebeen here long enough for them all to know me and am continuallydogged about and have satisfactory evidence that within the week pasttwo efforts have been made to obtain an opportunity to assassinate one

These parties know every body in this section of country and nodetective can get in with them, and at the best but two or three of themwill be arrested and unless troops are here to sustain (or make) thearrests respectable citizens will have to leave the place and as to theBureau or its representatives here and the interests of the freedmen youcan imagine what the position would be

over






Many prominent citizens dare not go out after nightfall and a prominentlawyer here says it would be a farce to bring cases of this kind before ajury here and unless a military force be here or the military take thismatter in hand this gang of thugs will continue at large and respectablepeople will continue to suffer.

We have been repeatedly worried of our danger and the sound of firearms is heard nightly on the streets reminding one of being on picketduty.

My report of the assassination as published in or copied from Vicksburgpapers came near getting me in difficulty here and I respectfully suggestthat the foregoing be not made public.

I Am Very RespectfullyYour Obt ServantSilas MayCapt and Sub Com






M. 107. F.B.S.M. '66Grenada, Miss.May. 30. 1866.May. Silas Capt & Sub. Commissioner Dist Grenada

Requests a supply of stationery for use of his office.

Mack fill this.

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss Received June 1 1866






Bureau Refugees, freedmen, and Abandoned Lands.

OFFICE SUB-COMMISSIONER

Grenada [[strikethrough]]Holly Springs[[/strikethrough]] Miss, May 30th1866Lieut Stuart EldridgeA. A. A. G. Bu. R.F. & A. L.Vicksburg MissLieutI have the honor to inform you that this office is entirely out of stationeryand we are using our private paper +c I have no blank requisitions andsend you memorandum of what we are in wantPaper Letter Ream of" Cap Quires ofEnvelopes Official and Letter PensIf you can send us the above mentioned you will confer a favorYour Very Respectfuland Obt ServantSilas MaySub Comm






M-108-FBSM-1866Jackson, Miss.,May, 31st '66.

Mississippi State ofB.G. Humphreys.Governor.

Forwards with the remark that the matter will be laid before the GrandJury, statements of Jno T. Semmes, Sheriff of Canton. & D.A. Luckett,Citizen - concerning the breaking up of a colored school at that place.

reported by Lieut Williams -

(3 enclosures)

P.H.

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received * JUN 1 1866






M 108 —







Executive OfficeJackson MississippiMay 31st 1860

Respectfully forwarded to Major Genl T.J. Wood for his informationThe matter will be laid before Grand Jury

Benj. G. HumphreysGov of Miss






Sheriffs OfficeCanton May 28th 1866

Governor Humphries

Dear sirThe documents forwarded by you have been received and carefully readby me. Enclosed I Send you an affidavit made by Amos DaneFreedman from the perusal of which you will find how much credence isto be attached to the report of Mr. Fultz and the report of Lieutenant M.H. Williams. Mr. Fultz has falsely asserted that he was ever waited uponby 15 or twenty citizens who threatened his life for attempting to teachschool in Canton for negroes. Mr Luckett did have some conversationwith Fultz, the particulars of which I have not learned but have beeninformed that Mr Luckett will make a Statement to you himself. Mr Fultzhas again falsely asserted that the people of Canton or any[[strikethrough]] other [[/strikethrough]] portion of them have everthreatned to burn any building which might be erected for the purpose ofbeing used as a School for negro children. So far from it, if the negroesare able to educate their children, the people are willing and anxiousthat it should be done. Last Summer and fall a Free negro man taughtschool here and was molested by no one and he could have continuedto do So till this time if he had Seen proper to do






so. Mr Fultz also misrepresented things when he said that he could notrent a house or at least he left a wrong impression upon the minds ofthose to whom he reported and who no doubt would take his statementsright or wrong in preference to any that might be made by the citizens ofCanton. The truth of the matter is that a house can not be rented forany purposes at any price or by any person at the present time inCanton all being occupied. In fact, several which are in the course oferection being already rented.

The officers of the City and County are ready, willing, and determined todo their duty. Knowing no difference between Northern or SouthernMen, in proof of which I could State several instances if it werenecessary.

If Mr. Fultz had informed the Mayor of the City or myself that his life wasthreatened he would have received the same protection as any othercitizen would have done. but the transaction which he relates never tookplace in this community No person ever struck at him with a knife norwas a knife ever seen in the hands of any of the persons except Mr.Luckett who happened to pass by at the time of the conversation whichtook place between Mr. Fultz & Mr. Luckett and in which conversationMr. Luckett was






excited as he had heard that Fultz had been using such language aswas calculated to greatly injure whites as blacks.

Yours RespectfullyJno T Semmes Shffpr Gould L.S

P.S. Mr. Fultz was informed by M L Birden one of the most respectablecitizens of Canton, that if the charge preferred against him was false heshould have an opportunity of meeting it but instead of doing so asadvised by birden he together with the negro who reported theinsurrectionary language to Mr. Luckett left on the evening of the 11th orthe morning of the 12th of May for parts unknown

J T Semmes Shffpr Gould L.S.






Canton, Missi. May 29. 1866

Hon B. G. HumphriesJackson Miss

Dear Governor,

The Shff of this County has shown me the report of Lt Williams, inrelation to the action of certain citizens of this place in the case of a manby the name of Fultz who was attempting to get up a negro school.From the statement of Fultz, I am made to figure in the matter, andhence I wrote to you.

The facts are these, so far as we were able to ascertain them. Fultz hasbeen teaching a night school for a few days previous to the time of hisleaving. A negro boy living at my house and in my employment statedto me that he had been two or three times to the school & that Fultz hadused insurrectionary language in his hearing. The Boy was himselfguilty of insubordination and I felt compelled to dismiss him which I did &he and Fultz both left Canton about the same time & have not returned.Not wishing to have repeated in our midst the "Memphis horrors"






and fearing and believing that Fultz under the pretext of instructing thenegroes would excite their feelings against their formal masters and thewhite people generally, it was thought best to advise [[strikethrough]]Fultz [[/strikethrough]] them to leave the place. This was done withoutany offer to use personal violence upon F. as you will see, by referenceto affidavit of Amos Drane F.M.C. enclosed to you by the Shff. Thecitizens here are trying to do their duty in accordance with the oathswhich they have taken and under all the circumstances are demeaningthemselves much, but the law of self-preservation is one recognized bysociety every where and we are not willing to have persons in our midstwhom we have good reason to believe are attempting to excite thecolored people to acts of insurrection.

Yours trulyJ.A. Luckett






Personally appeared before me Wm J. Bailey Mayor of the City ofCanton and Ex officio a Justice of the Peace in and for said countyAmos Drane a freedman who upon oath states that he did not make thestatement attributed to him in the report made by Lieut Williams to LieutStuart Edridge Actg Ajnt Adg'l Genl dated at Jackson Miss May 16 -1866.

Affidavit further states that the reason assigned for requiring Mr J. S.Fultz to leave Canton was that he had been indulging in incendiary orinsurrectionary language to some of the colored people + from whataffiant learned he believes O.A. Luckett easilt believes such languagewas used - by Fultz - that there were not efforts made to injure theperson of Mr Fultz bu he was simply requested for the reason abovestated to leave Canton which he agreed to do very willingly and didleave as affiant has been informed and believes as he agreed to do.

Sworn to & subscribed before Amos Draneon this 28th May 1866 X his mark Will J Bailey Mayor of the city of Canton + ex officio J P H






M. 109. F.B.S.M. '66Office Sub Commer B R F & A LDistrict Pass Christian MissMay 32st 1866Moore J. D. 1st Lieut & Sub CommerMakes Report of Proceedings of the District under his command forMonth of May 1866 -

End (4) 1 (2 3) 66

P.H.

Freedmen's Bureau State of Miss Received Jun 3 1866

[[signature]]






Office Sub CommissionerB.R. Farm ALDist Pass ChristianMay 31, 1866

Maj General Th J WoodAsst Com ner VicksburgMissississippi

GeneralI have the honor to submit the following Report of the Operations of thisOffice in the Month of May. 1866.May 4th In the case of Alexander Wilson (Freedman) for salvage on cotton. Smith Defendant demurs to answering to a Military Tribunal. Wilson decides to appeal to the Circuit Court. Case still pending.May 12th Zedo Graves of Gainsville Freedman solicits aid to obtain repayment of a Fine inflicted by the Circuit Court of Gainsville on a fictitious charge of Vagrancy Case envestigated and still pending.May 23rd Anne Amelia Lee, a white woman and Union Refugee Seeks the intervention of the Bureau to be put in possession of a certain House claimed to be leased by her for an unspecified term of years. Case is investigated. Mrs. Lee referred






for her remedy to the usual process of law. Her case not coming withinthe jurisdiction of the Bureau was dismissed.May 28thJohn Francis of Pass Christian Freedman seeks aid to recover a Horseseized by Adam Constable of Pass Christian in satisfaction of a Chargeof VagrancyAction taken to recover the Property.May 29thAdam Newman seeks aid to obtain payment for work done. Summons tothe payer issued.[[?]] [[?]] Celestine of Shieldsboro (Freedwoman) applies for protectionagainst the attempts of her employer to violate her person - protectionafforded.IITemper of citizen (white)The Union people residing in this District are neither numerous norinfluential. As a class they are very moderate and cautious - They seeminclined to modify their opinions to suit the exigencies of the society inwhich they live.The majority of the people maintain an attitude of menace. They are notdecidedly hostile, they are certainly not friendly. It may here be addedthat those who have been prominent or active in the late Rebellion areostentatiously careful to let that fact appear.






Temper of Citizens (Blacks)

The Freedmen are undoubtedly loyal. They appear to be contented.They work well and rarely make complaints as to their wages or thepayment of them. They dislike the contract system. They appear to havea well grounded fear that advantage may be taken by the employer inpassing such agreements. There are however in Gainesville some 40laborers engaged by the year. The freedfolk are able to take care of their own poor. Noapplication in respect of such cases has been made to this office. Schools.The number of schools in this District is as follows.Locality Schools PupilsPass Christian 1 21Handsboro 1 25Shieldsboro 1 16Pascagoula 2 36Wolf River 1 13

Competent teachers are difficult to procure. The most successfulteachers are white. These appear to command greater respect. Suitablebuildings and appliances for teaching are also much needed. It may be






added that altho the Freedfolk evince a desire to learn, they also throw adisposition to evade or postpone payment of the teacher. In spite ofthese and other disadvantages the progress of the pupils is satisfactory.

As far as known to this office there is a tendency among theFreedfolk to assume a higher standard of morality.

The treatment of the Freedman by the whites is generally fast and fair.The principal difficulty between employer and employed is that theFreeman is decidedly inclined to assert his privilege to labor only asmuch as often as may suit his views for the moment. The employer ismuch inclined to dispute this right. In this contest the Freedman is aidedby the scarcity and also by the preference given to black labor in thismarket. Also the Freedman can and does avail himself of his personalliberty. There is a tendency to migrate to points where the laborer isassured of assistance and protection.The Civil Courts are undoubtedly inclined to harsh and rigidadministration of the Law when the interests of Freedmen are inquestion. The Vagrant Law and the






Acts referring to the custody and apprenticeship of Minor Children, havebeen in some cases oppressively enforced. Such acts of injustice areonly attempted and succeed at distant and inaccessible points in theDistrict

I am Generalvery respectfullyyour obedient ServantJohn A. Moore1st Lieut 12th Regt. VRC and Sub ComnerBu R F and A L Dist Pass Christian






M. 110- F.B.S.M-1866Grenada, Miss.,May. 31. 1866.

May. Silas Capt & Sub-Commissioner Dist Grenada.

Monthly report of the conditions of affairs in his District

P H

[[Oval Stamp]]Freedmans Bureau State of Miss * Received *JUN41866[[/Oval Stamp]]






Bureau Refugees Freedmen & Abandoned LandsOffice of Sub Commissioner District of Grenada.Grenada Miss May 31st 1866

Lieut Stuart EldridgeA.A.A.G Vicksburg Miss

Lieut

I have the honor to make the following in addition to the printed reportsherewith enclosed

Following the death of Lieut Blanding which occurred on the 1st instcomplaints by the freedmen were frequent of abuse by employers on theground that the troops were gone and there were no yankees left forthem to run to with their complaints; circumstances were such that I wasunable to make investigations other than I could make at the office I amsatisfied that in some instances freedmen were beaten by theiremployers but not seriously in any of the cases brought to my notice

Since former report, six of the nine counties composing this district havebeen visited and a majority of the planters report the freedmen as doingwell

Where complaints of outrages have been brought by freedmen beforethe civil authorities, investigations have been had showing a generalwillingness and desire on the






part of civil officers to give freedmen their rights according to law

In many cases where freedmen are at work for a share in the crop theyare much discouraged by the backwardness of the season anddamages done by overflows and would in some cases break theircontracts losing the nearly five months labor already performed if notprevented by efforts of the officers of the Bureau

There are no new schools for freedmen established since my last report,in this town that in charge of Miss Harwood is in a flourishing condition

I have found several plantations with colored children supplied withbooks and receiving instruction in the family

I amVery RespectfullyYour Obt ServantSilas MaySub Commr






M. lll [3]- F.B.S.M. 1866Greenville MississippiMay, 31, 1866Myers W. S.Sub. Commissioner Washington County.Reports the Freedman in his District working well and generally living upto their contracts; The Planters well disposed toward the negro & thecivil authorities dispensing justice impartially.

P.H. [stamp] Freedman's Bureau State of Miss Received June 61866






Bureau Refugees, Freedman and Abandoned Lands.Office of Sub-Commissioner,Greenville Miss. May 31st 1866.

Lieut Stuart EldridgeA.A.A. Genl.

LieutenantI have the honor to Report the Northern portions of Washington Countyas all right. The Freedmen are almost universally working well- Therehave been some individual instances of insubordination on the part ofthe Freedmen and now and then desertion- but such cases arebecoming less frequent every day. The planters as a general thing seemwell disposed toward the negro - and the civil courts are dispensingjustice impartially - Most of my time is spent visiting the differentplantations in my District.I have the honor tobe very RespectfullyYour obt Serv'tW.M. MyersSub Comr F.B.






M. 112. FBSM. 1866Greenville, Miss.,May. 31st 1866.

Myers, W.S.Sub-CommissionerWashington County.

Forwards list of names of Planters who desire to be included in hisDistrict, asks that they be inserted in his order and copies sent him.Requests copies of all new orders, and Civil Rights bill-1 enclosureP.H.

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss Received JUN 6 1866






Bureau Refugees, Freedman and Abandoned Lands.Office of Sub-Commissioner,Greenville Miss. May 31st 1866.

Lieut S. EldridgeA.A.A. G.

LieutenantThe Planters who names are subscribed to the enclosed desire to havetheir Plantations included within my DistrictWill you please have their names inserted in my Orders - and forwardCopies - Please send me copies of all new Orders - Also Civil Rights Bill-And obligeYour obt ServtWS Myers






M112

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss Received Jun 6 1866






Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.Office of Sub-Commissioner,Greenville, Miss, May 7th, 1866We the undersigned planters of Washington County, Miss believing thatthe appointment of W.S. Myers as Sub-Comissioner of the FreedmansBureau for this county would greatly promote the planting intereststhereof and give more security to the labour system of the same, havethe honor to petition the authorities for his appointment.

[[2 column table]]---|---Spruille Binford | L.L. TaylorThomas Gaddis | Holmes & Meares,Alex. Yerger | Bolton & BlantonF.H. Boyce | W.L. Nugent Burton FatherAyllgenon [[Algernon]] Copeland | W.L. NugentT.H. Boyce | P. MontgomeryJ. W. Hughs & Co. | H.F. Londsdale & sonAnderson & Bowen | J.H. Estelle






M 114. F.B.S.M., 1866.Jackson, Miss.,June 6th, 1866.

Mississippi State ofB.G. Humphrey'sGov'r.

Acknowledges receipt of communication of the 4" inst. asking to beinformed ofthe legal remedy of parents desiring to regain possession of thechildren. Encloses copy of the decision of theAtty Gen'l.

P.H


Wrapper ( Enclosure.)

See Circular 10 Bu.

Headquarters Department of Mississippi.Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.Office of Assistant Commissioner,State of Mississippi,Vicksburg, Miss., ..., 1866

Respectfully






Executive Office,Jackson, Miss., June 6th 1866

Genl-Yours of 4th inst was received yesterday asking "to be informed of thelegal remedy of parents, desiring to regain possession of their childrenthe Attorney General's opinion"

This question I have referred to the Atty Genl and received the followingresponse =

"Atty Genl officeJune 5th 1866

Sir —The appropriate remedy of a parent wrongfully deprived of thepossession of his or her child is by writ of Habeas Corpus

C.E. Hooker Atty Genl"

This remedy has been often successfully resorted to in different portionsof the state that I presumed all understood it, and that no parent couldbe deprived of the possession of his or her child, if wrongfullyapprenticed

Many parents have consented to the apprenticing of their children, whoafterwards seek to recover them, and failing appeal to the Military






to interfere in their behalf - The writ of Habeas Corpus enables bothparties to establish by proof the right or wrong - in a speedy andsummary manner —

Very respectfullyyr obt sevtBenj. G. HumphreysGov. of Miss.

ToMaj Genl T.J. WoodComdg DeptVicksburg

Received A A Gen's Office DEpt Miss. Jun 8 1866


M 114






M 116 - F.B.S.M. '66Fayette, Miss.,June 6, 1866.

McCormick, B.Deputy Assessor.

Acknowledges receipt of blank forms, requesting that they be filled.

Refuses to comply with request unless compensated. Cannot see howthe information would be of advantage to planters in his County; while itwould be of great value to speculators.


P.H.






Fayette, MissJune 6th 1866

Maj GenlTh. J Wood

SirYour circular addressed to Sheriff of this County, in which you requestedhim to cause the assessors to fill up blank forms of statisticalinformation, which you say is very important to be in possession of &c.the State has required the Several Assrs of the Counties to make anenumeration of the inhabitants which will be filed in Sec of States Officeas soon as completed. The Assessor has conformation for that. I dontsee that such information as wanted would be of any advantage toplanters in my County or State, but such information is much desired byCapitalists both North & South., & for one man to have such informationthroughout the State would be of great-consideration to him, as he mightreap a fine harvest from Speculators. This information[[strikethrough]]coming as it has will not [[/strikethrough]] to beascertained as a request-will not be attended to unless confiscated.Your Obedt ServantBM Cormick Dept Ofcr






M. 119 F.B.S.M. 1866Grenada, Miss.June 14, 1866.

May, Silas Capt& Sub-CommissionerDist. Grenada

Acknowledges receipt of communication of the 11th inst; states that thepapers referred to were entered correctly in the books. the office markswere omitted through mistake and shall not again occur


P.H.






Bu RF & ALOffice Sub Com Dist of GrenadaGrenada Miss June 14 1866

Lieut Stuart EldridgeAAA General

LieutI have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communicationbearing date June 11th, 1866 and in reply will state that the case ofCannon referred to was carried through the books, the omission of theoffice marks was an oversight and shall not occur again The abovenamed papers were signed in my absence.

I am sirVery respectfullyYour Obt ServantSilas MayCapt and Sub Com

L.B. 14






M. 123. FB.SM.66Grenada Miss.,June 16. 1866

Maj. Silas. Capt& Sub CommissionerDist Grenada

Applies for blanks 1.2.3. A.G. for use of office in his District

P.H.







Send 3 mo's supply






Bu R.F and ALOffice Sub ComMeridian Miss June 16th 1866

Lieut Stuart EldridgeA.A.A.G.Bu R.F. and A.L.

SirI have the honor to apply for a supply of Blanks Nos. 1.2. &3. A.G. forthe use of this and the Office of the Asst Sub Com at Lauderdale Miss

Very RespectfullyYour Obt ServtJas. W. SunderlandCapt & Asst Sub ComDistrict of Meridian

12 Blanks ofEach Kind#1.2.&3 sent June 21 1866






M. 129. FB.SM. '66Davis Bend MissJune. 25. 1866.

Montgomery & Sonsby R.F. Montgomery

State that in obedience to orders the stores on the Bend have beenclosed. Represent that the planters will be put to great inconvenience aswell as loss, if this order is carried out, and request permission to reopentheir store.






Davis Bend Miss June 25th 1866

Maj Genl TJ WoodCommanding Dept of Missand Asst Commissioner Bu R.F. & A LandsVicksburg

General:In compliance with a recent order from your Head Quarters, the storesof the Bend have been closed,. We the undersigned being among thoseinterested, respectfully beg leave to call your attention to our former andpresent business connection with a very large proportion of thosecollecting land here. The same number of our form has conducted asimilar business on the Bend for the past 24 years, and the present yearwe are aiding at least 4/5 of those cultivating the Davis Plantation, in theway of furnishing necessary supplies: also cultivating a portion of thecrop ourselves,






Should your order continue in force it will subject the planters, here, withourselves, to additional expense and inconvenience. A currentknowledge of the general views of the people respecting our mode ofdealing, can be satisfactorily obtained, if desirable, through your SubCommissioner Cap Ryan, in change of affairs on the Board.We have observed the regulations pertaining to License, Government,state & county, and if consistant with justice, we would most respectfullyrequest that permission be granted for the reopening of our stores.With the highest respect we have the honor to be your very obd servtsMontgomery & Sons,for B,T, Montgomery






M. 130 FBSM 1866Bu R.F. & A.L. J.W.Office Surg in ChiefVicksburg, June 26th, 1866

Moore, JnoSurg in Chief &c

Reports that there is no longer a necessity for the continuance of thefreedman's Hospitals at Jackson and Meridian, and that it iscontemplated to discontinue them from 1st ?, unless otherwise orderedby the Dept Commander

S.O. No 068. (cs)

P.H.

Freedman's Bureau State of MissJUN261866Received






Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned LandsOffice of Surgeon-in-Chief,For the State of MississippiVicksburg, Miss., June 26th, 1866

Col.From observations made on my recent visit to the interior of the Dept, Iam of the opinion that the Hospitals for Freedmen at Jackson andMeridian, are no longer required.It is my intention to discontinue there at the end of this month, unlessotherwise ordered by the Dept Commander.The medicines on hand at Jackson, I propose to have turned over to thephysician in attendance on the troops at that place.The bedding &c. I would respectfully suggest should be turned over tothe Sub-Commissioner of the Bu. R. F. & A.L. to be retained for anyfuture emergency.All the property belonging to the Hospital at Meridian, may be turnedover to the Surgeon in charge of the Howard Hospital at Lauderdale.I have the honor to be, Col. (over)






Very RespectfullyYour Obt ServantJno MooreBv't Colonel - Surg USASurg in Chief &c

Bv't Col M.P. BestowA A G






M. 131. F.B. S. M.'66Vicksburg, Miss.,June. 26, 1866.Montgomery. Wm TColonel

Affidavit stating that he never knew of whiskey being sold on DavisBend. by the order of Col Saml Thomas, but on the contrary has seenorders strictly forbidding the sale of spiritous liquors.

Freedmen's Bureau State of Miss Received Jun 25 1866






HEADQUARTERSDepartment of MississippiBUREAU REFUGEES, FREEDMEN, AND ABANDONED LANDS.OFFICE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER.FOR THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI,Vicksburg, Miss., June 26, 1866.

Wm T. Montgomery col'd of Davis Bend being sworn deposes and saysthat he has resided on Davis Bend since his birth having been a slave ofMr. Josiph Davis whose property on said land is now held by theGovernment as abandoned, except one year from the 16th Day of July1863 during which time he served in the US. Navy; that he is twenty-three years of age. That he never knew of whiskey being sold on DavisBend by the order of Col. Sam'l. Thomas Ass't Com, BR.F. &c. or by hispermission or consent during any of the time Lieut Col Thomas hadcharge of Freedmens affairs on said Bend. That on the contrary he hasseen orders prohibiting the sale of spirituous or intoxicating liquors inany quantities for any purpose on Davis Bend, issued






by Col. Sam'l. Thomas aforesaid. And that the terms and intent of allorders on this subject were to the end that liquors of any kind in theslightest hence intoxicating should be kept off the bend, & except for usein the hospital have never been allowed on said Bend during itscontinuance under military authority.

W Montgomery

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of June A.D. 1866 atVicksburg Miss.J.M.W. PrestonCapt WCCADC Staff Maj Gen






M 133 (F. B. S. M.) 2866Grenada Miss,June 25", 1866May, Silas Capt& Sub CommissionerDist Grenada

Makes report concerning the condition of the Foundry Lot at HollySprings.

P.H.

Freedman's Bureau State of MississippiJul1866

Wrapper---(-Enclosures.)






M 133 (F.B.S.M.) 1866

Grenada Miss,June 25", 1866.

May Silas Capt & Sub CommissionerDist Grenada

Makes report concerning the condition of the Foundry lot at HollySprings

P.H.

[[stamp]]Freedman's Bureau State of MissJUL41866Recieved[[/stamp]]Wrapper---(1 Enclosures.)






Report on Foundry LotHolly Springs

M 133Freedman's Bureau State of Miss Received Jul 3 1866






Bureau Refugees Freedman & A LandsOfficer of Sub Com Dist of GrenadaGrenada Miss June 25th 1866Lieut Stuart EldridgeAAAL, Vicksburg Miss

LieutI have the honor to make the following report of property in Holly SpringsMiss belonging to the U.S., known as the Foundry LotThere is on the lot an artificial pond the water in which never fails alsoseveral large cisternsThe foundations of the walls and chimnies are good the grounds smoothand a small expence would put them in condition to build uponI could get no offer for a lease Mr David A Campbell would hire thepremises for the purpose of makeing brick thereon. This in my opinionwould injure the value of the property by endangering the foundation ofthe chimnies and wallsMr S Boulin has been considering the advisability of hireing the groundson a long lease for the purpose of erecting machine shops foundry &cbut has not come to any conclusionThere is at present no brick iron or movable property of value on thepremises, in august and september 1865 there was a large quantity ofold iron such as shafting and pullies and brick in the chimnies thenstandingCapt Nelson G Gill at that time sub com FB sold to Martin Knable aportion of the bricks and old iron for $50. also some was sold to MrDresler






David A Campbell instituted a suit on the property based on amechanics lien and removed seven stacks of standing chimniesCampbell also received from M Knable 50 M brick and $100 money assatisfaction of his claim on that part of the property already in his(Knables) possession.Knable also sold and delivered Mr Drester from same lot about 30 Mbrick valued at $8 per MMuch of the old iron taken from the premises is now in possession ofKnable, I could find no claim of Knables to this property except thepurchase last summer from Captain GillHon Jno W C Watson of Holly Springs understands the value andposition of this property

I have the honor to beVery RespectfullyYour Obt ServantSilas MaySub Comr






M. 134. F B S M. 66

Grenada Miss,June 30, 1866.

May, Silas Capt& Sub CommissionerDist Grenada

Reports condition of affairs in his District

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received * JUL 3 1866






Bureau Refugees Freedmen & Abandoned LandsOffice of Sub Com District of GrenadaGrenada Miss June 30th 1866

Lieut Stuart EldridgeAAAG F.Bu.Vicksburg

Lieut,

I have the honor to forward enclosed reports required from this officefor the month of June and to add that during this month the countiescomposing this sub district not before visited have been visited andseveral cases reported to this office have been adjusted

The majority of planters report freedmen as working well and there hasbeen fewer complaints from freedmen of abuse, and from employers asto non fulfillment of contracts than the previous month

It is impossible to visit all places where we are requested to go for wantof transportation which in many instances cannot be given by thefarmers who desire our presence

I Am Very Respectfully Your Obt Servant Silas May Sub Comr






Office Sub Com FB,Greenville MissM. 135 July 3 1866FBSM. 1866Myers W.S.Sub. Com. F. B.

Letter enclosing Affidavit of S. Birford James Brown Jacob WentworthWm Johnson & James Johnson for action of Assistant Comir

{6 Enclosures}P.18.

Freedmen's Bureau State of Miss Received Jul 5 1866






Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.Office of Sub-Commissioner.

Greenville, Miss. July 3rd, 1866Lieut. Stuart EldridgeA.A.A. Legal

Lieutenant

I have the honor to forward enclosed affidavits of Maj. S. Rosford -James Brown - Jacob Meritworth - William Johnson & James Johnson -I have made no decision in the matter. I wish to submit this matter to theAssistant Commissioner for his action.

I have the honor to be very respectfully yours on such.W.S. MyersSub Comm F.B.






AffidavitofJacob Wentworth






Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.Office of Sub-Commissioner,

Greenville Miss June 27th, 1866.

I Jacob Wentworth of lawful age depose and say that in Vicksburg Mar8th 1866 I signed a contract to work for S.E. Jenkins on his Plantation inWashington County Miss I talking with him about working. I asked him ifhe was hiring for himself. I says that there are a heap of them coming inhere and hiring hands for other folks. He said that he was working forhimself and that if I was not satisfied after I got on to the new plantation Icould leave and he would pay my expenses back to V.Burg or as far theother way. He said it should be no effort to me to go and see the placeand if I did not like he would pay me expenses back or as far the otherway. I agreed with him to work for $20.00 per month and Rations. Hesaid the plantation was high and did not overflow. I asked him about thepay for wet weather. He said he lost the wet weather. He told me therewas an old white man living on the place with him but as soon as he gotback, he should make him leave. He said that he should be with






us all the time himself. That when he was not there - there would be noone with us - that there would be no driver - I went to the Plantation withhim together with several others whom he hired at the same time - Weall belonged to the 70th U.S. Colrd Infy — I told Jenkins [[strikethrough]]when [[strikethrough]] before I hired out to him - that I liked him wellenough & was willing to work for him - but that any other man that I hadnot seen I did not want to hire to - He replied that he had no partner -that it was his own place — and that if he was not hiring them for himself- he was willing that every one should have the place - On going to thePlantation I found it under water - We had to wade through the water toget to it - We went to the quarters in a “dug out” - when I arrived I told acolored woman (who had lived on the place twelve years) that I hadbeen badly bothered to find Mr Jenkins place - She said she had neverseen Mr Jenkins nor heard of him - She told me it was Maj' BurfordsPlace — Jenkins went away the 2d day after I went there & I did not seehim again for a month - He came back and staid three or four days andwent away & I have not seen him since - I tride to get a chance to speakwith him the last time he was there but could not - Maj' Burford said







that Jenkins had nothing to do with the [strikethrough] 1866[strikethrough] place - that because he had hired Jenkins to hire a lot ofhands - they need not think that he had anything to do with the place -that if he was a swearing man - he would swear on a stack of Bibles thathe Jenkins had nothing to do with the place He said that he was theowner of the place himself [[strikethrough]] Some of the hands[[/strikethrough]] After Burford told the hands that Jenkins had nothing todo with the place - Some of them told him that he must put his name onthe contract - which he did and they went to work for him Some of thehands (I among them) would have nothing to do with it and left the placeBurford refused to pay us for wet-weather - we told him that Jenkinsagreed to pay us - He replied that Jenkins had nothing to do with it - Iwas there over two months - and got - pay only for twenty odd days. Iwas sick seven or eight days All of the rest of the time it was so wet wecould not work - considerable of the time the plantation was under wateror so wet we could not work - Then was ten days in succession therewas no work done on






account of water and wet weather,Jacob his X mark Wentworth

Subscribed and sworn to this 24th day of June 1866Before meW S MyerSub Com'r F, B,

Affidavit-Jacob Wentworth







Greenville Miss June 27" 1866.We William Johnson and Jarvis Johnson depose and say that we hiredout to one E.E. Jenkins to work for him or his plantation in WashingtonCounty Miss for the balance of the year - He was to pay each of us $20per month & find Rations - [[strikeout]] we [[strikeout]] was to loose notime on acc't of wet weather - He told us he was the owner of theplantation and that we were to work for him That if we were not satisfiedwith the place when we got there we could leave - and that he wouldpay our expenses back - We with several others whom he hired at thesame time - (James Brown and Jacob Wentworth among the rest) wentto the plantation we found the plantation under water we went to thequarters in a boat - We also found the plantation belonged to a Maj'Burford who was carrying it on and that we all were to work for himJenkins did not stay on the place but a few days Maj' Burford told us thatJenkins had nothing to do with the place - Afterwords when he foundthat we would not stay on the place he said that he had






taken Jenkins in as a partner - and that he had a 1/4 interest - Jenkinswas not on the place. When he, Burford told us Jenkins had nothing todo with the place - And he had not been there up to the time he told ushe had taken him in as a partner - Some of the hands made a contractwith Burford and remained on the place and some of us would notcontract to work with Burford and left the place -Burford refused to pay us for the wet weather. He said he would see usin purgatory before he would pay us for the wet weather - that was onereason why we left the place - but the most important reason was thatJenkins lied to us so when he hired us - we were on the plantation overtwo months - and we got credit for about one months work - really all therest of the time it was too wet to work.

William his X mark JohnsonJames his X mark Johnson

Subscribed and sworn to this 27th day of year 1866. Before meW.S. MyersSub Comm's F.B.






AffidavitsofBulfords HavenJames Burer







Greenville, Miss. June 24th, 1866.

I James Brown of lawful age depose and say that at Vicksburg on the8th day of March 1866 - I with several others signed a contract to laborfor one E. E. Jenkins on his plantation in Washington County Miss forthe remainder of the year - Said Jenkins agreed to pay me $20.00 permonth and find rations - The bargain was that we were to come up to hisplantation and see it - - if we liked [[strikethrough]] it [[strikethrough]] theplace we were to stay - He wanted me to get some hands for him in myCo. - I asked him if the hands were for himself or for someone else - Hetold me - they were for himself - that the place was his - and that no onewas in it Except some Freedmen which he had hired - He said that heshould be there all the time - and that no one should have anything to dowith the hands but himself - That the Plantation was dry and neveroverflowed - He was to give me $20.00 in gold for getting the hands forhim - I hired him 7 hands - He was to give each of them $20.00 permonth.






Jenkins told all of the hands the same as he did me - And we all had thesame understanding about the Plantation - and who we was to work for -We all went with Jenkins to the plantation - which we found by theFreedmen on the Place belonged to Maj' Burford - and they had neverheard of Jenkins - Jenkins agreed to pay us for all wet weather thesame as fair weather. The second day after we went to the PlantationJenkins went away and was absent about a month - He came back -Maj' Burford and his brother had had charge of the Plantation and wehad learned that they were making the crop - The hands had becomedissatisfied - knowing that their contract was with Jenkins - Maj' Burfordtold the hands that Jenkins was not his partner When the hands foundthat Jenkins was not a partner on the Plantation - Some of them signeda contract with Burford and some of them left the Plantation - Jenkinsagreed to pay half of the wages every month - Burford refused to pay usfor wet weather and for time we did not work on account of the water —the plantation was over flowed with water when we went there - itremained so for nearly two months - Some of the time we could work bybeing in the mud up to our knees and some of the time we had to paddlein a skiff — we were on the plantation over two months






Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.Office of Sub-Commissioner,1866

And lost nearly one months time on account of wet weather and water -which Maj Burford refused to pay us for - I together with JacobWentworth. William Johnson and James Johnson refused to contractwith Maj Burford - and we left the Plantation - I never received a cent inmoney for work on the Plantation - I bought some cooking utensils ofMaj Burford - I have no complaints to make against Maj Burford onaccount of treatment - Only he would not pay me for rainy weather - I didnot contract to work for him and I left him

James his x mark Brown

Subscribed and sworn to this 27th day June 1866Before meW S MyersSub Com'r F.B.






Forest Home Plantation.Washington Co. Miss.July 3rd, 1866.

I do hereby certify and testify on oath that E.E. Jenkins is to all intentsand purposes a partner of mine in Planting interests and has been sosince the 1st of March, 1866 - receiving a one third share of the nettproceeds of this crop for his capital invested and the obtaining of thelabor - and was duly empowered by the firm of E.S. Burford & Co to hirelaborers for the year 1866 and as such legal representative of thePartnership did proceed to Vicksburg in the month of March and didthen and there employ and make contracts with nineteen Freedmen,whom he brought on the Plantation - all of whom remained on thePlantation doing faithful service for more than a month - and inaccordance with the provisions of the contract did receive from me, 1/3of their wages, some in money and others in Mchdse at the end of themonth. I do further testify that on or about the 25th of April the followingnamed Freedmen voluntarily abandoned their contracts and left thePlantation - namely Elisha James - James Brown - Jacob Wentford -James Johnson and William Johnson and these persons continue to thisday to remain away from the Plantation. (over)






I further testify that the contracts with said Freedmen were executed atVicksburg and signed by Mr. Jenkins. The Freedmen claim that as theyhired to Jenkins they are under no obligations to work on my Plantation.Immediately after the Freedmen came to the Plantation, I told theFreedmen that Mr. Jenkins was a Partner of mine - but that I had theentire control of the Plantations and the management of the Hands - thatI was the one to pay them and employ them. The Hands worked alongquietly and contentedly for nearly two months. I paying them andemploying them under and according to the terms of the contracts. Theabove named Persons left the Plantation as above stated. Those of thepersons who abandoned the Plantation are now in this vicinity, laboringfor other parties.

E. S. Burford

Subscribed and sworn to this 3rd day of June, 1866

Before me

W.L. RyanSub Com F.B.






N-139 - F.B.S.M. '66Jackson, Miss.,July 6th, 1866

Mississippi State of B.G. HumphreysGov'r.

Acknowledges receipt of affidavit of J. Conway's Freedmen concerningthe murder of his brother in Attala Co.

States that the case has been referred to S.S. Calhoon, Atty of 5thJudicial Dist at Canton, for investigation & action.P.H.

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss. Received [[date illegible]]






Executive Office,Jackson Miss., July 6th 1866.

Genl -

These officiants of I. Company [[?]] freed men - referred to you by Capt.U. Gardner, and referred by you to me was received this morning andhas been forwarded to S. S. Calhoun Dist Atty of 5th [[Judicial?]] Dist atCanton Mississippi for his information, investigation and action —Very respectfullyyr obt - servt.Benj. G. HumphreysGov of Mississippi

ToMaj Genl T. I. WoodCom of Department of MississippiVicksburg






M.140. FB.SM. '66

Grenada, Miss.,July 5, 1866

May, Silas Capt& Sub CommissionerDist Grenada.

Acknowledges receipt of Comn of the 3rd inst. States that CharlesWoodruff is the name, his father is living at Louisville, Ky. in theCommissions Business -

For further action [[?]] Dept Telegram.P.H.






Bu RF & ALOffice Sub Com Dist of GrenadaGrenada Miss. July 5th, 1866

Major Gen Thos J. Wood Commdg. Dept Miss Vicksburg

General yours of 3' inst came to hand this morningCharles Woodruff is the name; his father is doing a wholesale cornbusiness in Louisville K (grocery) His address I cannot getWoodruffs father in law lives near Louisville but his name or anyparticulars in regard to him I am unable to learn to [[?]]

I have the honor to beVery RespectfullyYour loyal ServantSilas MaySub com






N. 141 - FB.SM. 66Grenada Miss., July 5, 1866.

May, Silas Capt& Sub-Commissioner Dist Grenada.

Return transportation order for S. Griffin + Richard Todd to Baltimorestating that they have received compensation sufficient to enable themto go without the transportation.

Freedman's Bureau State of MissJUL101866Received

P.H.






Bu Refugees Freedmen and Abandoned LandsOffice of Sub Com District of GrenadaGrenada Miss July 5th 1866

Capt. AW PrestonADC & AAA GenlVicksburgCaptain

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt this day of orders fortransportation of Spencer Griffin and Richard Todd from Grenada Missto Baltimore. These freedmen having a short time since received fromMessrs Lake of this city (formerly of Balto) a contribution sufficient toenable them to go to Baltimore I return herewith the above namedorders.

I amVery RespectfullyYour Obt ServantSilas MaySub Comm'r






This order not transferable"Miss. & Tenn. R.R."

[[Left Margin]U.S. ORDERFORTRANSPORTATIONNOT VALID UNTIL COUNTERSIGNED BY THEOFFICER ISSUING.[/Left Margin]]

No. 90585 Vicksburg Miss. June 30" 1866

Transport Spencer Griffin & Richard Todd

to Destitute Freedmen. Regiment...............

From Grenada Miss. to Memphis Tenn.

En Route from Grenada Miss. to Baltimore Md.

Signature of Officer issuing the order | By order of the Quarter MasterGenl.JW. Scully | Lewis B. ParsonsCapn. & asst. Q.M. U.S.A. | Col & Chief of Rail & River Transptn.

[[image]] The holder of this order; or the officer in charge of troops, isrequired to fill the receipt below before signing, stating the exact numberof men transported and the places from and to which transportation hasbeen furnished.

............186..

I certify on honor, that.............................................has furnished transportation for ....................................From............................to...................................in compliance with the above order

Bowen & Co. Philada






Certified Copy of Order, or Extract, on which the within transportation isgiven.

Hd Qrs Dept of Miss.Vicksburg Miss. June 30 '66

S.C. No. 1383

Extract,II. In compliance with orders from the War Dept. of June 20 1866, underthe provisions of G.C. No. 128, series of 1865, the Quartermaster'sDept. will furnish transportation for Spencer Griffin & Richard Todd,destitute freedmen from Grenada Miss. to Baltimore Md.

By order of Maj. Genl.Thos J. Wood(Signed), Marcus P. Bestow

A true copy

J.W. ScullyCapt. and A.Q.M.

I Certify, on honor, that upon my knowledge transportation wasfurnished for ................................ Men in accordance with within order.

Agent, Conductor, or Clerk.






This order not transferable

[[left margin]]U.S. OrderForTransportationNot Valid Until Countersigned by the Officer Issuing.[[/left margin]]

Steamer

1. No. 90584

Vicksburg Miss. June 30th 1866Transport Spencer Griffin & Richard ToddCo. Destitute Freedmen RegimentFrom Memphis Tenn. to Baltimore Md.Signature of Officer issuing the order By Order of the QuarterMasterGenl.J.W. Scully................{Lewis B. ParsonsCapt & Asst. Q.M. U.S.A....{Col. and Chief of Rail & River Transptn.

The holder of this order, or the officer in charge of troops, is required tofill the receipt below before signing, stating the exact number of mentransported and the places from and to which transportation has beenfurnished.

I CERTIFY on honor, that...............................has furnished transportation for.......................From........................to.........................In compliance with the above order







Hd Qrs. Dept of Miss.Vicksburg Miss. June 30 '66

S.O. No. 138

Extract:II In compliance with orders from the war Dept. of June 20 1866, underthe provisions of G.O. No. 138, series of 1865. the Quartermaster'sDept. will furnish transportation for Spencer Griffin & Richard Todd,destitute freedmen from Grenada Miss. to Baltimore Md.

By order of Maj. Gen'l. Thos. J. Wood(Signed) Marcus P. Bestow A.A.G.

A True Copy.J. W. ScullyCapt. and A.Q.M.

I Certify, on honor, that upon my own knowledge transportation wasfurnished for ______Men in accordance with within order.







This order not transferable

[[left margin]]U.S. ORDER FOR TRANSPORTATIONNot Valid Until Countersigned by the Officer Issuing.[[/left margin]]

A. No. 90586SteamerVicksburg Miss. June 30’ 1866Transport Spencer Griffin + Richard Todd to Destitute FreedmenRegiment

From Cairo Ill. to Cincinnati Ohio en route from Grenada Miss. toBaltimore Md.

Signature of Officer issuing the order By order of the Quarter MasterGenl.J. W. Scully............................{ Lewis B. ParsonsCapt. & asst. Q. M. U.S.A.............. { Col. & Chief of Rail & RiverTransptn.

The holder of this order, or the officer in charge of troops, is required tofill the receipt below before signing, stating the exact number of mentransported and the places from and to which transportation has beenfurnished.

186 —I CERTIFY, on honor, that............................................has been furnished transportation for................................From.................................. to............................In compliance with the above order

Bowen & Co. Philada.







Hd Qrs Dept. of Miss.V.burg Miss. June 30 '66

S.O. No. 138

Extract:II. In compliance with orders from the War Dept. of June 20' 1866, underthe provisions of Gen'l Orders No. 138, series of 1865, the Q.M. Dept.will furnish transportation for Spencer Griffin & Richard Todd, destitutefreedmen from Grenada Miss. to Baltimore Md.

By order of Maj. Gen'l.Thos. J. Wood(signed) Marcus P. BestowA.A.G.

A True CopyJ. W. ScullyCapt. and A.Q.M.

I Certify, on honor, that upon my own knowledge transportation wasfurnished for ____Men in accordance with within order.







This order not transferable.

[[left margin]]U.S. ORDER FOR TRANSPORTATIONNOT VALID UNTIL COUNTERSIGNED BY THE OFFICER ISSUING.[[/left margin]]

A No 90587"Baltimore & Ohio R.R"Vicksburg Miss. June 3O' 1866Transport Spencer Griffins & Richard ToddCo. Destitute Freedman RegimentFrom Cincinnati O. to Baltimore Md.En. Route from Grenada Miss. to Baltimore Md.Signature of Officer issuing the order By Order of the Quarter MasterGenlJ.W.Scully............................. {Lewis B. ParsonsCom'r & Asst. Q.M. U.S.A............... {Col. & Chief of Rail & RiverTransptn.

[[image]] The holder of this order or the officer in charge of troops isrequired to fill the receipt below before signing stating the exact numberof men transported and the places from and to which transportation hasbeen furnished. 186I CERTIFY on honor, that..........................has furnished transportation for .................From.................... to ......................in compliance with the above order

Bowen & Co.Philada.






Certified Copy of Order, or Extract, on which the within transportation isgiven.Hd.Qrs. Dept. of Miss.V.burg. Miss. June 30 '66S.O. No. [[underlined]] 138 [[underlined]]

II. In compliance with orders from the War Dept. of June 20' 66 underthe provisions of G.O. No. 138 series of 1865, the Q.M. Dept. will furnishtransportation for Spencer Griffin & Richard Todd destitute freedmenfrom Grenada Miss. to Baltimore Md.

By order of Maj. Gen'l.Thos. J. Wood(Signed) Marcus P. BestowA.A.G.

A True Copy[[signed]] J. W. Scully Capt. and A.Q.M.

I Certify, on honor, that upon my own knowledge transportation wasfurnished for ________________________Men in accordance withwithin order.







M. 147 F B S M. 66Grenada Miss.July 13, 1866.

May, Silas Capt& Sub-CommissionerDist Grenada.

In reply to telegram of the 13th inst: states that troops were required forthe protection of the law-abiding citizens, one family of whom werecompelled to leave the town by this organized band of desperadoes.

Received A A Gen's. Office Dept Miss. JUL 16 1866

P.H.






Bu. R.F. [[?]] A.L.Office Sub. Com.Grenada, MissJuly 13th 1866.

Col. M.P. BestowA.A. Gen'l

Col.:In reply to your telegram of the 13th inst, I would respectfully state thatTroops were required for the protection of the law-abiding citizens of thiscommunity. Soon after the Blanding assassination, a citizen of thisplace (Col. Adams) was assaulted and badly beaten; his sons camehome to protect him and for some time a collision has been imminent.On the 11 + 12 inst. the non-law and order party were augmented bysome of the most desperate characters in the State. The Adams familywere compelled to quit the place, on the morning of the 12th, andseveral other citizens were considerably alarmed. An old and reliablecitizen informed us that he had heard the plans of this party, which wereto "clean out" every person that opposed them, and the






Bureau and Freedman school were to be broken up. After consultingwith a number of the business men of the town, who advised it, Itelegraphed for troops. The party are still in the town and many of thecitizens say that there will be trouble before they leave. We are insultedby them on the street, and the object it seems is to have a difficulty.Affairs looked so threatening that three of the citizens volunteered toassist in defending the office, in case we were attacked.

Very RespectfullyYour Obi ServtSilas MayCapt. Sub. Com.

L.B. 10






M. 148 F B S M. 66Grenada, Miss.,July 15" 1866.


Acknowledges receipt of transportation for Billy Chism & Elijah DavisFreedmen.

P.H.







Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.Office Sub-Commissioner[[strikethrough]] Holly Springs [[/strikethrough]] Grenada, Miss. July 15th,1866.

Bvt Maj A W PrestonA A A GenlVicksburg

MajorI have the honor to acknowledge receipt of transportation for Billy Chismfrom Holly Springs to Lauderdale Miss also transportation of Elijah Davisfrom Granada to Lauderdale Miss.

I amVerry RespectfullySilas MaySub Com






M.149- F B S M. 1866

Jackson, Miss.,July 12th 1866.

Mississippi State ofB.G. HumphreysGov'r.

Acknowledges receipt of communication of 11" inst inquiring if luniticFreedmen can be rec'd into the State Asylum. States that there is noprovision made for such classes of persons by the Legislature.

P.H.

State of Miss

Received Office Jul 17 1866






Executive Office,Jackson Miss. July 12th, 1866.

Genl -

Yours of July 11th was received today - making inquiry whether lunaticfreedmen [[strikethrough]] are [[/strikethrough]] can be received into theState Asylum.

The Legislature has made no provisions for this class of persons - I aminformed by the Superintendent that none such are received.

The only provision made by the Legislature is the authority given toBoards of Police to levy a tax of one dollar for the support of paupers-

Very respectfullyyr obt SevtBenj. G. HumphreysGov of Miss

ToMajor Genl T. L. WoodComdg Departmentof MississippiVicksburg -






M 151- (F.B.S.M.----) 1866.Eggs Point, Miss.Catalpa PlantationJuly 12th, 1866.

Morehead. C.S.

States that he has a Freed-woman on his place, whose husband PeterWood, died in the U S. service, with some arrears of pay due him. Askswhat she is entitled to and how he can get it for her.

Wrapper---(---Enclosures.)






M 157






Catalpa Plantation July 12th /66.

Dear General,I have with me a very faithful and much excellent woman, who oncebelonged to me, who I suppose is entitled to something from theGovernment. She married a negro man named Peter Woods, who diedin the service with some arrears of pay due to him. Is it asking too muchof you to let me know what she is entitled to and how I can get it for her?She is still his widow and I send you a copy of the marriage certificate. Ifnot too much trouble let me hear from you. My address is Egg PointMiss.

Very respectfully yrsC S Morehead






No. 153. F.B. Sub. ‘66

Jackson, Miss.July 20” 1866.

Mississippi State ofB. G. HumphreysGov’r.

Returns Communication of the Genl Com’dg[?] inquiring concerninglocation of land offices and with the information that Jas Bell wasformerly U.S. land officer and referring to his endorsement hereon

[[stamped]] FREEDMAN’S BUREAU STATE OF MISS RECEIVED JUL21 1866 [[/stamped]]

P.H.

Executive OfficeJackson Miss.July 20th1866

Respectfully returned to Maj Genl T.J. Wood referring to endorsement ofJas Bell. formerly U.S. Land Officer of this place, as the only informationto be obtained in Jackson.

Benj. G. HumphreysGov of Miss.






[???????]

HeadquartersDepartment of Mississippi,Vicksburg, Miss. July 19th, 1866.

To his Excellency.Benj. J. HumphriesGovernor of Mississippi

Sir,I have the honor to inquire the location of the Land Offices in this state,and if the records are still preserved. Also the location of anygovernment lands in the state that you may have knowledge of.

If you can furnish this information you will very much oblige.

Very Respectfully






Your Obt Serv'tTh: J. WoodMaj Genl VolsComdg.






Jackson Miss. July 20th, 1866.

Gov. Humphreys,

Sir.The letter of Gen. Wood which you refered to me is herewith returned.In reply to the inquiries I have to state that the Books & papersbelonging to the Land Offices at Jackson, Grenada & Columbus are nowin my possession and have been preserved, except the correspondence& some other papers of the Jackson Office, which are not very material.I am also informed by Col. Corkhill U.S. Agent, who visited this state toinquire into the condition of the Land Offices, that the Books & papers ofthe Washington & Paulding offices were preserved. As regards thepublic lands in this state, I know nothing except as to the land in theJackson District, which lies principly in Simpson County & is of a verypoor quality & I presume this is the character of all the vacant publicland in the state. It would give me pleasure to furnish you with any otherinformation on the subject, in my power

Very RespectfullyJo. Bell






M.155 F B S M. '66

Executive OfficeJackson, Miss.,July 22d, 1866.

Mississippi, State ofB.G. HumphreysGov.

Acknowledges receipt of communication of the 20th making furtherinquiries in regard to the admission of colored lunetics in the StateAsylum. States that upon inquiry he learns from the Supt that thebuilding is now full & is undergoing repairs, thinks the Legislature willmake provision for this class on its reassembling.


Received A A Gen's Office Dept Miss. JUL 25 1866

P.H.






Executive Office,Jackson Miss., July 22nd, 1866.

Genl-

Yours of 20th inst- was received yesterday - making further enquiriesabout the admission of colored lunatics into the State Asylum - andoffering to defray their expenses and providing nurses &c —

Upon enquiring of the Superintendent I am informed that the institutionis now full, and no room left = The building is undergoing repairs,rendered necessary by recent injuries, which renders the means ofaccommodation for the whites, insufficient -

The Legislature will doubtless make proper provisions for thatunfortunate class upon its reassembling, by enlarging, the grounds andbuildings so as not to place the two races in the same rooms -

Very respectfullyyr obt sevtBenj. G. HumphreysGov of Miss —






M.160 F B S M 1866Grenada, Miss.July 31st, 1866.


Report for the month of July '66 of affairs in his district.

P.H.






Bureau Refugees Freedmen and A. LandsOffice Sub Com District of GrenadaGrenada Miss July 31 1866

Bvt Maj A W PrestonA D C & A A A GVicksburg

MajorIn addition to accompanying reports, I have the honor to state thatalthough in most cases the freedmen are doing well, there are manycases of ill treatment to them and cases of serious abuses by theiremployers. These cases I believe are mostly confined to particularlocalities and of the cases brought to our notice, most of them arereported from Carroll and Calhoun Counties.

A case of killing a freedman "Phil" by his employer "Middleton Bradford"eight miles from Oakland July 11th brought to our notice was referred tothe civil authorities but we have not learned, of any action taken by themin this matter

Inquiry has shown that many of the children of freedmen apprenticed,have been [[strikethrough]] have been [[/strikethrough]] apprenticedwithout the consent of parents being obtained or even the plainrequirements of the state law complied with

On the 28th inst a report was brought to this office of the murder inCalhoun Co. of three freedmen by whites (with blackened faces) one ofwhom was said to have been partially skinned alive. This case we haveas yet been unable to investigate but the report is corroborated byseveral colored persons






Applications from this office by letter to civil officers for information insome of the before mentioned cases have [[strikethrough]] have[[/strikethrough]] in only a few instances been answered satisfactorilyand in others not at all

In some instances where employers have ceased to need the servicesof freedman they have been driven away by threats and violence; thisonly on small places where corn only is raised and being now laid bydoes not require much labor to secure the crop

It seems parties of the style "regulators" are employed and are at workdriving off or killing any negro the employer wishes to get rid of for anycause that does not intend giving the freeman his rights

Cases of violation of law are being investigated by us so far as ourmeans permit and I beg leave to add that freedmen generally arewithout the means to pay counsel and therefore in many instances theircases go by default

I amVerry RespectfullyYour obt ServantSilas MayCapt VRC and Sub Comr






M. 165. FBSM '66Rutherfordton, N.C.August 2nd 1866.

Mills. L.A.

Makes application for a plantation owned by him in Issaquena. Co. Miss.Encloses Certificate of pardon & of ownership

2 enclosuresP.H.

P.O.#15 Aug 15. 1866.

Freedmen's Bureau State of MissAUG 15 1866Received

prop OrderNo. 15






To Col. Samuel Thomas Assistant CommirBureau of Refugees Freedman & Abandoned Lands

The petition of L. A. Mills to the county of Rutherford & state of NorthCarolina respectfully showeth that she is the owner of a certain tract ofland lying in Issaquena county Mississippi, bounded by the Mississippiriver and lands of R.M. Smith & W. W. Rife containing about 1053 acres,more particular described in copy of title deed herewith sent.

Petitioner further showeth that in the year 1862 he removed negroes +stock from [[?]] place + left-it without an occupant. _ that sometimeafterwards it was taken possession of by the government of the U.S. asabandoned land, + leased to me E.J. Heard, a widow lady. as yourpetitioner is informed + believes.

Petitioner further showeth that at the present time the said land is in thepossession of on Wm. L. Libbey, who has leased it for the present yearof your petitioner.

The further showeth that he has received a pardon from the President ofthe U.S. evidence of which is herewith sent.

Your petitioner therefore respectfully showeth prays that the said landsmay be relinquished from the control of the government + that he maybe restored to his former rights + privileges. And as in duty bound hewill ever pray.

L.A. MillsAugust 2nd 1866.Rutherfordton N.C.






M- 165- FBSM. 66






Deed of PartitionThis Indenture made this twentysix day of February in the year of ourLord. one thousand eight hundred and sixty one between LT Wade ofthe one part and L.A. Mills of the other part witnesseth, that whereasthey the said L.T. Wade + L.A. Mills have + hold in common in equalparts a tract of land lying + being in the county of Issaquena and state ofMississippi fronting on the Mississippi river and more particularly knownand described as follows to wit lots 1,2,3+4 in section 4 200 acres in thesouth half of section 3. 1 87/100 acres in the southwest corner of section11. 286 acres in the north half of section 19 + all of section 20 excepting57 acres in the southwest corner + all of section 23. all in township 12range 8 west. It is covenanted, granted, concluded + agreed by andbetween the said parties and each of them warrants grants + concludes+ agrees by and between the said parties and each of them warrantsgrants + concludes + agrees for himself his, hers + assigns to cancel thedeed of partition of the above land made on the 14 day of January 1860and make a new partition of said lands in manner + form following. thatis to say [[underlined]] First [[underlined]], the said L.A. Mills [[?]] fromhenceforth have hold possess + [[?]] in severalty by himself + to him +his heirs and assigns for his share part + partition of said land the southhalf of the front survey of the said tract more particularly described as allthe land lying south of the line commencing at the point 31 links south44 degrees w. of the point of intersection with the north + south line inthe back section thru + running thence with the bearing n641/2" w. 97chains






to the Mississippi river pointing off on the south side of the s'd frontsurvey of the s'd tract two hundred & forty eight acres (248 acres) thesouth half of fractional section 20 or all land in s'd fractional section 20lying south of a line beginning at a point 31 links S.44°W. of the point ofintersection of the north & south line on the back of section 3 & runningthence with the bearing S.43°45'E. to a point of intersection with thewest boundary of section 19. (excepting 57 acres in the south westcorner of section twenty) & pointing off on either side one hundred & fiftyfive & eight hundredths acres (155 acres & 8/100) and all of section 23continuing six hundred & forty acres (640 acres) containing in all onethousand forty three & eight one hundredths acres (1.043 & 8/100acres) more or less together with all & singular the hereditaments &appurtenances thereunto belonging & the s'd L. T. Wade dothaccordingly give grant, release & confirm unto the s'd L.A. Mills his heirs& assigns the lands & premises as aforesaid, set apart to the s'd L. A.Mills & for his part & share aforesaid. + the s'd L. T. Wade doth warrant& defend s'd title to s'd L.A. Mills against any & all claimants forever.Second The s'd L. T. Wade shall from henseforth have hold & possess& enjoy in severalty, by himself, & to him & his heirs & assigns for hisfirst share & proportion of the s'd lands & premises all lands & premisesof s'd tract not herein specified as apportioned to L. A. Mills or moreparticularly the north half of front survey of s'd tract described as all landin front survey in s'd tract lying north of a line beginning at a point 31links then S.44°W. of the point of intersection with the north &






south line on the back of section 3. & running thence with the bearingN.64½° W. 97 chains to the Mississippi river & pointing off in the northhalf of s'd front survey two hundred & forty two acres & 72/100 acres(242 72/100 acres) one acre & 83/100 (1. 83/100) in the south westcorner of section 11. The north half of fractional section 20, or all land ins'd section 20 lying north of a line beginning 31 links S. 44° W. of thepoint of intersection with the north & south lines in the back of section 3& running thence with the bearing of S 43° 45' E to intersection with thewest boundary of section 19 & pointing off on either side one hundred &fifty five acres & 8/100 (155 8/100), two hundred & eighty five acres(285) in the north half of section 19 together with all & singular thehereditaments & appurtenances thereunto belonging, and thereversions, remainders, rents issues & profits thereof, and foreverdefend all claims arrising from me & under me & no others. And the s'dL.A. Mills doth accordingly give, grant release & confer unto the s'd L TWade his heirs & assigns the lands & premises as aforesaid set apart tos'd L. T. WAde as & for his part & share as aforesaid.

In witness whereof we the s'd L.A. Mills & L.T. Wade have hereunto setour hands the day & year above written.

[[strikethrough]] L.T. Wade {Seal}L.A. Mills {Seal}Mary J Wade {Seal} [[/strikethrough]]L.T. Wade {Seal}Mary J. Wade {Seal}L A Mills {Seal}Jane Mills {Seal}

AtestW. A. HedrickR M Smith






State of Mississippi }Issaquena County }

Personally appeared before the undersigned a member of the board ofpolice in & for s'd county Lawrence T Wade and Mary Jane Wade hiswife, L. A. Mills & Jane Mills his wife to me personally known to be thepersons named in & who executed the forgoing conveyance & severallyacknowledged that they signed sealed & delivered the same as their act& deed for the uses & purposes therein mentioned. And the s'd MaryJane Wade & Jane Mills on a private examination made by me apartfrom their husbands acknowledged that they signed sealed & deliveredthe same as their voluntary act & deed freely without any force threatsor compulsion of their s'd husbands.

Given under my hand & seal this the 27th day of Feb A D 1861.S. C. GibsonMember of board of policeIssaquena Co.

State of Mississippi }Issaquena County }

I, I.W. Prescott clerk of the Probate Court of s'd county & state dohereby certify that the within conveyance was filed in my office forrecord the 28th day of February 1861 & that the same was this day dulyrecorded in book D. page 139 & 140. of the record of deeds. Givenunder my hand & seal of office this 28th day of February A.D. 1861.

I. W. Prescott Ck{L.S.}






North Carolina }[[?]]Rutherford County}theApril 22 1861 }certificatesof A.G. Gibson & J.W. Prescott to the forgoing land it is rendered &ordered to be registered & [[?]] to be registratedE Jones Clk. Rec'd 50 cts Tax fare

North CarolinaRutherford County

I hereby certify that the writing deed & their [[strikethrough]]]] certificatesare duly registered in the registrars office of said county this the 4th ofMay 1861 book 48 & no. 389.W L. Griffin Registrar-----------------------------State of North CarolinaRutherford CountyAugust 2nd 1866

Personally appeared before me J.B. Eowes clerk of the Court of Pleas &Quarter Sep[sp] for said county. L.F. Churchill & J.M. Whiteside & madeoath that the foregoing is a true copy of a title deed now in thepossession of L.A. Mills of said county, which upon careful examinationofficials believe to be a good & sufficient title to their lands described asset apart to aid L.A. Mills.L.F. Churchillby M. White, ClkSworn to be subscribed before me this date above written & I certify thatapplicants are well known to me to be men of veracity. Witness handand seal of officeJ.B. Eaves Clk5 cent certificate stamp






M- 165- FB.SM. 66






UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.[[image]]PHILP & SOLOMONS, WASHINGTON, D.C.Department of State.To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting:I certify, That the document hereunto annexed is a true copy of theoriginal on file in this Department.In Testimony Whereof, I, William H. Seward, Secretary of State of theUnited States, have hereunto subscribed my name and caused the sealof the Department of State to be affixed.Done at the City of Washington, this Second day of June A.D. 1866, andof the Independence of the United States of America the Ninetieth.William H. Seward






Rutherfordton N.C,May 19th, 1866.Honorable William H. Seward,Secretary of State.Sir:I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the President's Warrantof Pardon bearing date February first, 1866, and hereby signify myacceptance of the same, with all the conditions therein specified.I am, Sir,Your obedient servant,L. A. Mills

T.C.






M 166 (F. B. S. M.) 1866.Vicksburg Miss.,Augst 16, 1866.

Moore, Jn'o Co'l.Surg in Chief

Forwards approved Communication of Capt H. Gardner. Sub. Comr DistJackson, asking for an order turning over to Dr Cade certain Medicalstores.

Wrapper---(1 Enclosures.)

HEADQUARTERSDEPARTMENT OF MISSISSIPPI,BUREAU REFUGEES, FREEDMEN AND ABANDONED LANDS,OFFICE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER,Vicksburg, Miss., 1866.Respectfully






approvedJno. MooreSurg U.S.A.Surg in Chf. F. B. forState Miss.Aug. 16th 1866,

P.H.

M 166

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received * AUG 16 1866






Office Sub Comr. F BureauDist Jackson Miss Aug. 15/66

Brvt. Col. Jno. MooreSurg. in Chief Dept. of Miss & Bu R. F. + A. L.State of Miss.

Col.

I would respectfully ask for an order from you to turn over to Dr Cade thefollowing hospital + medical [[ptions?]] I have [[accepted?]] for thesearticals but by mistake of the Hospital Steward they were turned over tothe A.A. Surg. U.S.A. The articals

30 [[??]]8 [?] vials [[(Pres’t?)]]6 “ Corks1 Graduate Measure (4 oz)1 [?] camel hair pencils

Very Respectfullyyour obt. servt.H. GardnerCapt. & sub. comr. F.B.Dist Jackson.Miss






M. 140 F.B.S.M 66

Grenada, Miss.Augst 31st 1866

Maj. Silas Capt & Sub Commissioner Dist Grenada

Report of operations of the Bureau in his District for the month ofAugust.

P.H.

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received * Sep 2 1866






Bu.Refugees Freedmen & A LandsOffice Sub Com Dist of GrenadaGrenada Miss August 31 1866

Bt Major AW PrestonA.A.A. Gen F.BVicksburg

MajorIn addition to accompanying reports I have the honor to state that muchuneasiness exists among freedmen and many abuses are practicedwhich so far as we know are confined to particular localities.

The most prominent are Choctaw Calhoun and Carroll Counties. InCarroll the same abuses that were named in report for July nowcontinue Viz illegal apprenticement of children and discharge offreedman from places where they have been working for a share of thecrop without compensation. Mr John A Burford one of thecommissioners appointed under the Civil rights Bill has been absentfrom the state until recently. Mr Wm Hemmingway anothercommissioner in the same county to whom several matters from thisoffice had been referred, died last week and no business had beenaccomplished by him.

In Calhoun Co cases of ill treatment to freedmen are reported and manycontracts






are so written that the freedman has no claim by them on his employerfor services rendered. In Choctaw Co lawlessness prevails to analarming extent. Early in the month armed men held possession of thecourthouse for several days and no civil business could be performed.Mr. RC Johnson our informant one of the commissioners under the civilrights bill says his life has been threatened and he has been assaultedfor holding office under U.S. appointment and that he could perform nobusiness pertaining to freedmens affairsDuring the month two cases of the killing of freedmen have occurred inthis town . The first was by Bill Hawkins who shot an old and crazynegro woman who was in his peach orchard who lived several daysafter - After she died Mr Hawkins reported the facts to the mayor who isalso a Jus Peace who discharged him. he being the only witness. Thesecond case also a case of shooting. both parties freedmen is now inthe hands of the civil authorities.Nothing further has transpired in relation to the killing of freedmen inCalhoun county which was named in report for July and no Bureauofficer






is safe to go into the localities named unless accompanied by an escortof cavalry

I would also add that in the counties named there are many largeplanters who are treating their hands well and obtaining from them asatisfactory amount of labor

I amVerry RespectfullyYour obt servantSilas MayCapt VRC & Sub Com






M. 178. F.B. S.M. ‘66

Davis Bend, Miss.Sept'r. 28” 1866

Montgomery, B. F.Freedman.

Presents statement and petition of certain lesees of land on Davis Bend,who understood that they were to have woodland outside the levees forthe present year free of rent and who are now chg’d $5 per acre forsame.

RECEIVED A A GEN’S OFFICE DEPT MISS. SEP 29 1866P.H.

RECEIVED A A GEN’S OFFICE DEPT MISS. OCT 1 1866

Head Qr’s Dist Miss.Bureau R.F. & A.L.Vicksburg, Sept 29 ‘66

Respectfully referred to Bv’t Brig General Henry M. Whittlesey Chief QMDist Miss & Bureau for information as to whether any sucharrangements, verbal or otherwise, was ever made.

By order ofBvt Maj Genl. Wood.A. W. PrestonA.A.A.G.

Hdqrs. Dist MissBu. RF & AL St MissOffice Chf Qr Mr & R & D.O.Vicksburg, Miss.Sept. 30. 1866

Respectfully returned with the remark that the undersigned has noknowledge of any such arrangement as is within referred to having beenmade verbally or otherwise.

Henry M. WhittelseyBvt Brig GenlChf Qr MrR & D.O. FBSt Miss

DeB. 57/60

Freedman’s Bureau State of Miss Received Oct 2 1866 B





Office Sub CommissionerBu RF & A.L.Davis Bend MissOct 17th 1866

Respectfully returned with the statement of Mr. Glascott herewith, Iconsider it unnecessary to take any further evidence at present. unlessyou so order it, as Mr. E S - Bedford has told me that the understandingwith those petitioners was that if they made a Crop they would berequired to pay Rent, & from personal observations those parties havemade fully as good Crops if not better than Lessees inside the Levee

Wm L. RyanCapt & Sub. Comm.Bu R F & A L

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received * OCT [[?]] 1866 B

(one enclosure.)

Recd Oct. 16/66. W.L.R.

HeadQr's Dist Miss.,Bureau R F & AL.Vicksburg. Oct. 2d 66.

Respectfully referred to Capt Wm L. Ryan, Sub - Comm. Davis Bend.He will take evidence as to the truth of the statements herein contained& forward the same to this officer. Should the evidence sustain thestatements Mr Glascott will not collect rent from these petitioners.

By order of Bv't Maj. Genl. Wood.A. W. PrestonA. A. A. G.

{E & M 293 1866}






Davis Bend Miss Sept 28th 1866

Maj Genl T. J. WoodAssist Commissioner R.F. & A.L. Dept Miss

Genl:We the undersigned freedmen of Davis Bend Miss, beg leave to callyour attention to a matter which we hope may elicit your favorableconsideration. And that should it fail to do so it may be considered nogrounds for offense. When the land of the Davis Place was being leasedlast spring, we with two exceptions failed to obtain land for cultivationeither in or outside the levee all of the cleared land having been securedby other parties.

With permission and the partial understanding that no charge would bemade this year for the use of such wood land as might be cleared, weeach of us accordingly cleared small plots of land and have succeededin raising a little cotton on the same, (the season unfavorably effectingour little crops as well as that of others.)

The present established charges per acre bring $9- for inside and $5 forthe land outside the levee. Our patches are now rated among the latter.






Being informed by Capt E.S. Bedford, the sub commissioner and actingland agent, that parties clearing wood land could have the use of samethe present year free of charge we in self defence feel called upon toenquire with the cause of the charge and we respectfully request thatyou condescend to consider our case in this matter and instruct as mayto you seem just.

Very respectully your obd servantsHenry x D. Ford 5 acresJoseph x Whittington } 4 acresEdward x Whittington }Albert x Gibbs }Nathaniel x Nat 3 acresPd. Wm x Shepherd 2 acresJesse x Bale }Geo x Ragan } 10 acresDavid x Cotton 1 acresPeter x Clements 15 acresGenl Geo x Washington 8 acresReuben x Brown } 20James x Wilson }Saml x Parks 2James x Lucas 2James x Smith 4Sandy x Alexander 6Pd. Henry x Burrel 2Geo x Washington 7Pd Burk x Fletcher 8

per B T Montgomery






Davis Bend Miss Oct. 17/66

Statement ofD. S. GlasscottAsst. R. & D.O. B. R F & A Lands

In Regard to Reuls upon Lands outside the Lease






Hurricane, Davis Bend Miss.October 17th 1866.

Bvt Major Wm L. RyanSub Com.r B R F & A Lands,Davis Bend Miss.

Major,As you have requested me to furnish you with information that I mightpossess touching Lands assigned by Govt. outside the levee upon theDavis Plantation, Davis Bend Miss. I respectfully submit the followingstatement viz-When I commenced taking up the Lands outside the levee inSeptember, Mr. Bedford, the former agent, who had assigned the land,at my request, accompanied me a part of the time and informed severalparties who told him and me that they thought they ought not to becharged any rent outside the levee as they had run the Risk of overflow;that no land had been assigned free of charge, but that the conditionswere stated at the time of the assignment most distinctly, that the rate ofRent would be fixed when the crops were made and that they wouldonly be changed for the number of acres in crop, and in case their cropswere entirely destroyed by the River no Rent was to be charged at all -Upon the strength of Mr Bedford's statements I accordingly took up saidLands and have nearly finished collecting the Rents upon same at theuniform Rate of Five Dollars per acre which I consider Reasonable, asthe crops outside the Levee






compare quite favorably with those inside - Where parties had onlysmall parcels of an acre or less for gardens I limited taking them up,considering their inability to pay - and as far as I know there are noparties to whom I have charged Rent but were fully able to pay the same-

I am, very Respectfully,Your Obt. ServantD.S. Glasscottast. R & D O B. RF&AL MissState of Miss.

Davis Bend Miss Oct.17/66

Statement of ________D. S. Glasscottagt. A. & D. O. B. RF&AL Miss

In Regard to Rents upon Lands outside the Levee






M. 149. F.B.S.M. 66Grenada, Miss.Septr 30th 66

May. Silas Capt & Sub Commissioner Dist Grenada

Report for the month of September of Bureau affairs in his District

Freedman's Bureau of Miss * Received * Oct 3 1866

P.H.






Bureau Refugees Freedman & A LandsOffice Sub Comr Sub Dist of GrenadaGrenada Miss Sept 30th 1866

Major AW PrestonA A A Gen Vicksburg

Major

In addition to accompanying reports there is little of interest in this subDistrict to remark. During the month closing with this date there havebeen fewer complaints brought by freedmen than in any precedingmonth I have been in this sub District.

Both employers & employees are enquiring in regard to settlements tobe made at the close of the year and much trouble is anticipated whensettlements are made where freedmen are cultivating farms on shareswith the owners. This will especially be the case where the growing crophas been mortgaged by the planter to procure means for the presentyears expences.

These matters are more fully entered into in a letter from this office ofeven date with this report.

I have the honor to beVery Respectfully Your Obt ServtSilas MayCapt VRC Sub Com






C 4 F.B. D J 1866

Jackson MissSept 27/66

M. 186. F.B. S M. 1866

Dr C. G. CadeA.A. Surg. USA

Asks that certain articals of store property be turned over to him[[strikethrough]] for the use [[/strikethrough]] &c &c

Freedman’s Bureau State of Miss Received Oct 10 1866

Recd O.A.C.D.J. Sep 27/66

Office Sub. Comr.Bu R.F. &c. Dist of Jackson. Jackson Miss Sept 27/66

Respectfully referred to Col. Jno Moore Med Director Dist of Miss. withthe request that I be ordered to turn over to Dr C. G. Cade all of thehospital property in my possession

H GardnerCaptn & Sub Comr.D.J.

E & M 76 1866

S.O. #81 c.s. F.B.S.M.

(m 186)Respectfully referred to Major A. W. Preston A.A.A. Gen’l Dist. Miss.with the request that Cap’t Gardners request be complied with.

Jno. MooreBrevet Col. and Surg. U.S.A.Surgeon in chf Dist. Miss.

O.S.C. Oct 9./66






Jackson Miss. Sept 27th 1866.

Capt. H GardnerSub Commiss F.B.

Dear SirWill you please to transfer to Co E 2d Battl. 13 Infty US Army the foll'garticles for Hospital use

Blankets No 7Mattresses No 6Pillow Slips No 7Bed spreads No 3sheets No 8Towels No 6Mosquitos Bars No 3

All these articles are absolutely necessary for the use of Hospital tentsas the same number where destroyed for sanitary purpose-

Very Respectfully your Obt Sevt.C.G. CadeA.A. Surg U.S.A.






Executive OfficeJackson, Miss., October 21st 1866.

Genl.I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of 17th Octoberrequesting information as to the number of the Colored population of thisState.

The enclosed statement [[strikethrough]] contains [[/strikethrough]] of theSecretary of State, to whom your letter was referred, contains allinformation which has been as yet, furnished that office.

I am very RespectfullyYour obt. Servt.J.F. MauryPriv. Sec.

To,Maj. Genl. Th. J. WoodComdg District of MississippiVicksburg Miss.






Colored Population Miss

40 Counties reported 284.03620 Counties no report






M 190

Freedmen's Bureau State of Miss Received Oct 23 1866






Statement showing the number of Blacks in the different Counties ofMississippi, according to the Census of 1866. as far as returned to thisoffice to the date. Oct 20 1866.[[4 Columned Table]]|Counties|Blacks|Counties|Blacks||---|---|---|---||Adams|12039|Leake|3152||Amite|6250|Lowndes|17731||Attala|5003|Madison|13789||Bolivar|6156|Marion|[[blank]]||Calhoun|1931|Marshall|11883||Carroll|11397|Monroe|11250||Chickasaw|[[blank]]|Neshoba|1662||Choctaw|[[blank]]|Newton|4358||Claiborne|8310|Noxubee|15858||Clarke|3905|Oktibbeha|[[blank]]||Coahoma|[[blank]]|Panola|9152||Copiah|9140|Perry|[[blank]]||Covington|[[blank]]|Pike|5029||De Soto|12749|Pontotoc|[[blank]]||Franklin|3715|Rankin|5091||Greene|[[blank]]|Scott|2388||Hancock|[[blank]]|Simpson|2247||Harrison|[[blank]]|Smith|2031||Hinds|16950|Sunflower|3505|






[[4 Columned Table]]|County|Blacks|County|Blacks||---|---|---|---||Greene|[[blank]]|Scott|2388||Hancock|[[blank]]|Simpson|2247||Harrison|[[blank]]|Smith|2031||Hinds|16950|Sunflower|3505||Holmes|[[blank]]|Tallahatchie|4759||Issaquena|[[blank]]|Tippah|4710||Itawamba|2924|Tishemingo|3769||Jackson|[[blank]]|Tunica|3533||Jasper|4493|Warren|[[blank]]||Jefferson|9015|Washington|11918||Jones|[[blank]]|Wayne|1920||Kemper|[[blank]]|Wilkinson|[[blank]]||Lafayette|[[blank]]|Winston|[[blank]]||Lauderdale|6698|Yallobusha|8285||Lawrence|4093|Yazoo|11248||[[blank]]|124568|[[blank]]|159268||[[blank]]|8776|[[blank]]|8268|{C.A. Brougher{Secretary of State

[[Left margin]]124,768159,268~~~~~~~~284,030[[/Left margin]]






M. 193. F.B.S.M. 66Port Gibson, Miss.,Nov 7" 1866

Maury, James K.

Encloses statement of Col'd School at Port Gibson. Declinesappointment of Comm'r under the Civil Rights Bill. Says the respectableportion of the community are well disposed toward the negroes &c

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received * NOV 12 1866

1 enclosure






Port Gibson 7th Nov 1866

A.W. PrestonA A A General

I send you the enclosed statement of the character & condition of theColored School at this place which is furnished me by the teachers.Entertaining the views I do of the "civil rights act" passed by Congress, Icould not accept the office of Commissioner confered on me by JudgeHill. The respectable portion of our community are well inclined towardthe negro population, and desire the advancement of their welfare. If theRev. Mr. Douglass should visit this place I will cheerfully give him suchlight and assistance as I may be able.

Respectfully &cJames H. Maury






M 193






Port Gibson Colored School

1st Established Oct. 10th 1866.2nd Average number of Boys 16.Average number of Girls 32.3d Ages 6 to 21 years4th Reading, writing, spelling, Also Geography & Arithmetic are taught.5th Taught by Teachers sent out by the A.F.A. Com.






M. 197. F.B.S.M. 66Vicksburg, Miss.Dec 13 '66Morey, J. B.

Requests transportation for One Hundred Freedmen from Georgia toMiss.

BUREAU R.F. & A.L. WASHINGTON1360 REC'D DEC 26 1866

Head Qr's Dist Miss.Bureau R F & A L.Vicksburg, Dec. 17 '66

Respectfully forwarded to Maj Gen O.O. Howard Comm'r &c. Approved.Attention invited to the within guarantees, which are required in all suchcases.

Th: J. WoodBvt Maj Gen U.S.A.Asst Commissioner

BUREAU OF R. F. & A. L.C. Q. M.DEC 27 1866

War DepartmentBureau R. F. & A. L.Washington Dec. 26. 1866

Respectfully referred to Bvt. Brig. Gen. H. M. Whittlesey Chief Qr. Mr.

By order of Maj. Gen. O.O. HowardA. P. KetchumA. A. A. General

E B 176 Vol 2 }






Head Qr’s Dist Miss.Bureau R. F. & A. L.Vicksburg Jany 4’ 67

Respectfully returned to Mr. Morey together with application of Mr. WillisLyons. attention invited to circular no. 21.

By order ofBv’t Maj Genl Wood.A.W. PrestonA.A.A.G.






2nd That said freedman while in my employ shall not become a burdenor charge before the U.S. Government.

3rd & 4th That families shall not be separated except by their own wish& consent & that such educational & religious virtue then shall beafforded said freedmen & their families as the facilities of theneighborhood & plantation will offer & admit of

All of which is mostRespectfully submittedJ. B. Morey

In connection of the above I must respectfully ask that transportation begranted for Twenty freedmen [[strikethrough]]& families one hundredtotal[[/strikethrough]] from Augusta Geo twenty freedmen[[strikethrough]]& families[[/strikethrough]] from Atlanta Geo & tenfreedperson [[strikethrough]] & families[[/strikethrough]] from ColumbusGeoMost respectfullyJ. B Morey

ReferencesG.M Barton, PrechA. H. Arthur Cash.}1st National Bank Vicksburg Miss

Please have the transportation when granted mailed in care of GayosoSaving Institution Memphis TennRespectfullyJ. B. Morey






HEADQUARTERSDISTRICT OF {BUREAU OF REFUGEES, FREEDMEN ANDABANDONED LANDS.} MISSISSIPPI.

CIRCULAR, No. 21.}OFFICE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER,FOR THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI,Vicksburg, Miss., Dec., 20th, 1866.

The following extract from "Bureau Officer's Manual," is published for theinformation of Bureau officers of this State, and all others concerned:

"Hereafter, transportation of freedmen to and from states where thereare Assistant Commissioners of this Bureau, will be given by thisBureau, under the provisions of General Orders 138, War DepartmentA.G.O., series 1865, only upon the following conditions:

I.-That the freedmen to be transported are those who are nowdependent upon the Government for support, and are liable to remainfor some time to come so dependent, or who are located at points wherethere is great destitution, and are liable soon to become, for anyconsiderable time, dependent on the Government for support.

II. That persons, other than the freedmen themselves, who apply for thetransportation of such freedmen shall furnish to the AssistantCommissioner of the State to which such freedmen are to betransported, indubitable evidence: -1st. That the applicants are able to give comfortable homes,employment under their own personal direction, reasonable wages andrations to such freedmen.2d. That they need the services of such freedmen to enable them tocarry on a legitimate trade or business.3d. That they will contract with such freedmen, in person, to furnishthem at the place named in the application, such homes, employment,wages, and rations. Such contracts to be approved by the AssistantCommissioner of the State from which such freedmen are to betransported, and to be made in quadruplicate; one copy for each of thecontracting parties, and the remaining two copies to be delivered to theAssistant Commissioner of the State to which such freedmen aretransported.5th. That they give ample security to the Assistant Commissioner of theState to which such freedmen are to be transported, that they will notsell or otherwise transfer any order of transportation or fare or passageupon such order, that they will actually transport the parties named inthe contract to be made under the provisions of the third paragraph ofthese Regulations, to the place of destination named in said contract.

III.- That the application to the Commissioner for the order oftransportation shall be made by the Assistant Commissioner of the Statefrom which such freedmen are to be transported.

IV.- That when the contracts, above mentioned, are completed, andbefore any freedmen shall be removed from the State, upon the order oftransportation, a list of the freedmen to be transported,





giving their names, the place from which and to which they are to betransported, the name of the person who contracts with them, and thecopy of the transportation order, and the order of the Commissionerauthorizing the issue of the transportation order shall be made inquadruplicate, and be verified to the Assistant Commissioner of theState where the contact is made. Of these lists one shall be retained bythe contractor, one by the said Assistant Commissioner, one shall betransmitted to the Assistant Commissioner of the State to which saidfreedmen are to be transported, and one to the Commissioner atWashington."

BY ORDER OF BREVET MAJOR GENERAL TH. J. WOOD: A. W.PRESTONActing Assistant Adjutant General.OFFICIAL: A.W. PrestonAct'g Ass't Adj't Gen'l.






HEADQUARTERSDISTRICT OF {BUREAU OF REFUGEES, FREEDMEN ANDABANDONED LANDS.} MISSISSIPPI.

CIRCULAR, No. 21.}OFFICE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER,FOR THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI,Vicksburg, Miss., Dec., 20th, 1866.

The following extract from "Bureau Officer's Manual," is published for theinformation of Bureau officers of this State, and all others concerned:"Hereafter, transportation of freedmen to and from states where thereare Assistant Commissioners of this Bureau, will be given by thisBureau, under the provisions of General Orders 138, War DepartmentA.G.O., series 1865, only upon the following conditions:I.-That the freedmen to be transported are those who are nowdependent upon the Government for support, and are liable to remainfor some time to come so dependent, or who are located at points wherethere is great destitution, and are liable soon to become, for anyconsiderable time, dependent on the Government for support.II. That persons, other than the freedmen themselves, who apply for thetransportation of such freedmen shall furnish to the AssistantCommissioner of the State to which such freedmen are to betransported, indubitable evidence:-1st. That the applicants are able to give comfortable homes,employment under their own direction, reasonable wages and rations tosuch freedmen.2d. That they need the services of such freedmen to enable them tocarry on a legitimate trade or business.3d. That they will contract with such freedmen, in person, to furnishthem at the place named in the application, such homes, employment,wages and rations. Such contracts to be approved by the AssistantCommissioner of the State from which such freedmen are to betransported, and to be made in quadruplicate; one copy for each of thecontracting parties, and the remaining two copies to be delivered to theAssistant Commissioner of the State to which such freedmen aretransported.5th. That they give ample security to the Assistant Commissioner of theState to which such freedmen are to be transported, that they will notsell or otherwise transfer any order of transportation or fare or passageupon such order, that they will actually transport the parties named inthe contract to be made under the provision of the third paragraph ofthese Regulations, to the place of destination named in said contract.III.- That the application to the Commissioner for the order oftransportation shall be made by the Assistant Commissioner of the Statefrom which such freedmen are to be transported.IV.- That when the contracts, above mentioned, are completed, andbefore any freedmen shall be removed from the State, upon the order oftransportation, a list of the freedmen to be transported,






giving their names, the place from which and to which they are to betransported, the name of the person who contracts with them, and thecopy of the transportation order, and the order of the Commissionerauthorizing the issue of the transportation order shall be made inquadruplicate, and be verified to the Assistant Commissioner of theState where the contact is made. Of these lists one shall be retained bythe contractor, one by the said Assistant Commissioner, one shall betransmitted to the Assistant Commissioner of the State to which saidfreedmen are to be transported, and one to the Commissioner atWashington."

BY ORDER OF BREVET MAJOR GENERAL TH. J. WOOD: A. W.PRESTONActing Assistant Adjutant General.OFFICIAL: A.W. PrestonAct'g Ass't Adj't Gen'l.






I am, Sir,Very Respectfully,Your Obedient Servant,[[blank]],[[blank]]






File away miscellaneous papers as evidence that this office did all Mr.Moray asked.






M. 201 FBSM. 1866-

Greenville, Miss.Dec. 31st 66.

Meyers, W.S.Sub. Commissioner.

Report relative to certain charges against him contained in letter of the14th inst. also reports murder of James A. King, late Capt. 49th U.S. C.I.& suggesting the propriety of an investigation

Freedman’s Bureau State of Miss Received Jan 4 1867






Office Sub Com'r. Freed. BureauGreenville Miss.December 31st 1866

Maj. A.W. PrestonA.A.A.Genl.B.R.F.A.L.

MajorYour Communication dated December 14/66 was received to night.In reply, I have the honor to Pay in relation to the first Charge that it isunfounded in fact only so far as I will explain hereafter. On the contraryseveral of the planters in this District contracted with their laborers fornext year more than three weeks since. Many of the Planters do notdesire to make contracts for 1867 until they have settled with and paidtheir laborers, for the present years service. In every instance wheresuch settlements have been made the Freedmen have been ready tocontract for the coming year. I have uniformly advised them to do so. Iam not blind to the necessity of the freedmen having homes for thewinter so as not to be charge on the Government, and during myadministration here for the last fifteen months I can congratulate theGovernment in not having had to support many of the freedmen withinmy jurisdiction.Unfortunately, there is a class of Planters here who are attempting tocoerce the freedmen into contracting






For the coming year by refusing to pay them for this year's service untilthey sign a contract to labor next year. Complaints from two plantationshave been made to the office today by freedmen that their employershad refused to issue them Rations for several days and had absolutelyrefused to pay them for this year's service until they would contract fornext year. Many of these freedmen have already contracted with otherplanters for next year. They will undoubtedly be swindled out of their payfor the present year's labor.It may be asked why the freedmen do not resort to the civil courts forredress - I answer - that in nine cases in every ten it is practicallyimpossible for them to take the first step in that direction. The courtsinform me that none but attorneys licensed by the Supreme or CircuitCourts of this State can appear even as the "next friend" of another andassist them in prosecuting his rights. Even before magistrates courtsunder a penalty of two hundred dollars for each offense. Under this law Ihave been excluded from assisting the freedmen.In cases where Planters are attempting to corner freedmen intocontracts for next year by refusing to comply with their contracts thepresent year I admit that I have advised the freedmen not to contractwith them for another year for they have no assurance of being treatedwith better faith at the end of next year, than they receive this year. Iadvise them






To work for men who will pay them fairly for their labor when it isperformed. If this advice is injudicious or advise me to the present policyof the Freedmens Bureau, I will plead guilty to the charge of yourinformant.In relation to the charge of being interested in Cotton Planting thecoming year. I will say that I am not so interested [[strikethrough]] and[[/strikethrough]] neither do I expect to be. If such an event should occur,your office shall be duly notified.The freedmen are now rapidly contracting for another year, and formpresent appearances nearly all of them will have their contracts in thecourse of a week or ten days. Most of them will be interested in thecrops, but few work for money wages.An unfortunate occurrence took place here on the night of the 22nd Ins't.James A. King (formerly a Cap't of A.C. 49th Reg. U.S.C.I) was decoyedfrom his house and most foully murdered. There are strongcircumstances connected with this murder that should be thoroughlyinvestigated. I have delayed reporting the subject to your office somewaiting to see what action the civil authority would take in the matter. Acoroner's inquest has elicited the fact of his murder by some person orpersons unknown. No reward has as yet been offered for the perpetratorof the crime except $500.00 which has been offered by myself. Thismurder has caused a feeling of insecurity to pervade the minds of thefew






Northern Miss living in this community. I have the honor to bevery RespectfullyYour Obt SevtU. S. MyersSub Com'r F.B.






N-1 F B S M. 1866

Vicksburg Miss.March 8th 1866

Newell E.D.

Requests transportation for 22 Destitute Freedmen

N1866

P.H.

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received * MAR 8 1866






Vicksburg Miss.March 8 '66

Lieut. Stewart EldridgeA.A.G. Bureau of Refugees Freedmen &c

Lieut.I would respectfully request that transportation be furnished to JoeParker and twenty one (21) other Freedmen to Ashwood Landg TensasParish La

I am Lieut.Very RespectfullyYour Obd ServtE. D. Newell






N-2- F B S M - '66

Pass ChristianApril, 8" 1866.

Neale. FieldingLieut and Act Sub ComrDist Pass Christian

Reports the following as necessary for use in his District: 1 Horse, &equipment for two, forage &c; Blanks & Stationery; Office and furniture.Requests instructions whether the above will be allowed &c.

P.H

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received * APR 12 1866






Pass Christian NipApril 8th, 1866

Lieut Eldridge

Dear SirWe have reconnoitered our ground here pretty thoroughly and find thereis plenty to do, with but I can't facilities for the work. To commence withwe shall need an additional horse, and horse equipments for twoanimals. Can this be arranged? Unless the necessary means oftransportation are offered us we cannot learn what transpires in thisDistrict; except in our own immediate vicinity. The various Courts are tobe in Session on the 3rd Monday of this month, it will be advisable tovisit some of these Courts during that time. If these horses are allowed,what arrangement is in force respecting Forage, Stabling, Farmers billsand taking care of the animals? Furthermore are there Blanks issued bythe Bureau relative to [Acc'nts] current. Reports? & so forth. We find noblanks here except those relative to contracts. We have not drawnStationary for this current Quarter. Will you please send blanks to makethe necessary requisitions. Furthermore is there any provision made foroffice house and office furniture and what is the limit if any? The officerented by R D Mitchell is in reality a small bedroom, not suitable for anoffice nor






is it furnished as an office should be. Is it the object of the Bureau toeconomise to the utmost or will an officer be reimbursed who hiressuitable apartments and procures the usual office furniture for thetransaction of the business of the Bureau I put these questions becauserents here are high and furniture of any kind costly. That is comparedwith Northern prices - There's a good deal of comfort, as well as moralaffect in having well appointed offices of the Bureau an appearance ofwealth and solidity. What is the feeling at Hd. Qrs.? We are ready to puton the style if the stamps are forthcoming. Nevertheless a little privateinformation about such matters would be useful before making theattempt or even corresponding officially about the matter.I should be glad to hear from you soon respecting this matter. Until thenI am Dear SirYours very trulyFielding Neale






N. 3. F.B.S.M. 1866.

Pass Christian.May. 29th, 1866

Neale. F. Lieut & Asst Sub. CommissionerDist Pass Christian.

Telegraphs number of whites needing food forty, needing seed two.None died of starvation in his district.

P.H.

Freedman’s Bureau State of Miss Received Jun 1 1866

Wrapper (Enclosure.)

Headquarters Department of Mississippi.Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands.Office of Assistant Commissioner,State of Mississippi.

Vicksburg, Miss., ............1866

Respectfully ..................






N 3






May 29th 1866

F Bur & ALLieut. Stuart EldridgeA.A.A.G. Vicksburg Miss.

Whites needing food — forty (40)Whites needing aid to raise food } two (2)Died of starvation — none.Deduct from pay

F. NealeAgent Pass Christian

To be paid at Vicksburg






Bureau R.F. & A.L. State La.New Orleans La. Mar 29 '66

Lines reported "all down".Send by mail.

N. F. CaydenA.A.A Genl.

N 3






N-4-F B S M. '66Onboard Str "Ruth"June 16, 1866.

Niles, J.W.J.

Calls attention to a letter written by his brother S.D.G. Niles, (enclosed)agent upon his plantation in Bolivar County, in reference to somedifficulties among his freedmen in violating contracts &c. Desires that anAgent of the Bureau be sent to investigate & advise the colored people.

July 5An officer could not be sent therefromA.W.P.

P.H.







On board SteamBt. "Ruth", June 16th, 1866

Maj General Wood,

Dear Sir,My son, Dr. S.D.G. Niles, who is the agent upon my plantation in BolivarCo. Miss, wrote me a few days ago in reference to some difficultiesamong our freemen. The contracts with them having been entered intobefore the Freedmen's Bureau in Georgia & which contracts provide fora reference of any matter in dispute to an officer of the Bureau, hedeemed it his duty to do this. As a general thing, I am happy to say, weare getting on pleasantly but there are some few hands who are notdisposed to do that which the plain letter of their contracts requires ofthem & who put themselves in a rebellious attitude to our mild, and aswe think, salutary rules & regulations. If one or two can work or not workas the whim of the moment may possess them - refuse to do what theycontracted to do & what we have, in some instances, advanced themmoney to enable them to do - others, now doing well may from the forceof bad example, also go astray & perhaps refuse to perform their duties.If you could (as we have no recognized law governing the cases) sendinto the neighborhood a person of judgment & firmness & let himremain, even a few days, I think it would be of general and appreciableservice. My son would be happy to entertain any one you want to send,during his stay in the neighborhood, & could doubtless give him someinformation that might prove available in his investigations. There isprobably no man in the State who has, in acts, manifested more aninterest for the welfare of the freedmen under his management






as has my Son. Raised with them & understanding their character he isnot only destitute of any prejudice against them, but is namely theirfriend in any measure which has the least prospect of bettering theircondition socially, morally or religiously. His course with them hasuniversally commanded their respect & confidence; - Even those hecomplains of are without excuse for misconduct & lay the blame of theirmutinous conduct upon others which their own friends & companionscondemn. I know that my Son is morally & religiously just in all histransactions with freedmen. His sympathies are all with them & hehopes to see their condition improved and labors incessantly for theaccomplishment of this cherished wish of his heart - Well would it be forthe freedmen if we had more such men among us. He seeks frequentopportunities to advise with them as to their true, best, interests as freeand accountable beings - Upon Lord's day he has read them sermons &from the Bible - has procured School Books and himself taught such aswere disposed to learn to read. His general bearing and managementhas been such as cannot fail to command the approval, if notadmiration, of all conscientious well wishers & friends to freedmen.Feeling a lively interest myself in any measure which shall have for itsobject the good of the colored race, I feel anxious to have everyencouragement set out to the young men of the land to persist in welldoing - for with them must lay the performance of the this great work,when such as myself (as we soon must) pass away.

Sincerely hoping it may be consistent with the other duties pertaining toyour command for you to send some one into the neighborhood whoshall examine the state of affairs & report to you. I am, General, yourvery obt. svt.J.W. Niles






P.S. Should you send anyone to the neighborhood. He will find my placeby landing at Rosedale Landing, from which it is distant 4 or 5 miles.






Lost Lake Plantation June 13, 1866.

ToMaj. Gen'l Tho. J. Wood,

D Sir,

As Ag't for Niles &c I have the honor of addressing you in regard to theaction of Freedmen, and especially upon the place for which I am ag't.Messrs Niles &c at an expense of several thousand dollars brought a lotof hands from Georgia, with others they made contracts before theFreedmen's Bureau of Ga., agreeing to pay the men at the rate of 15dollars per month with Board & Medical attendance.

These hands are furnished good quarters, four pounds of clear sides &a peck of meal per week - coffee & sugar once a day - milk about everyother day - molasses & one days ration of flour every week - and theywill soon have such vegetables as potatoes &c.

I confess the majority to be doing as well as could be expected, butthere are occasions






Casinual [[consensual]] exceptions. Their idea of freedom is, to begoverned entirely by their own impulses and will, and there have beenseveral who have abandoned their contracts - which, however, is anunusual thing in the country. There is another case that is just at thissunmesut giving are some troubles a woman with a husband, whoconsorted to labor in the field, but who was at the request of herself andhusband transferred to the house as house servant, became insultedfrom same unappreciable cause, and left her house duties undonewithout giving any notice and this is the second time the same thing hasoccurred with her. I told her she could go to the field inhelp she could doher work regularly and without taking such frells. She refuses to doeither, and is seen in the quarter doing nothing. How are each matter tobe regulated? The expenses of bringing thuss two hands to this pointwas some eighty dollars. Their wages due them do not cover theamount, and that their employees can not afford to discharge theres,even if they could afford to advance money to bring hands here for twoor three.






months work. The hands in the country generally refuse to worksaturdays, notwithstanding there may have been several wet days in theweek upon which they could not work in the field, and the fact that theycontracted to work six days in the week.

The people of this section are friendly in their feelings toward Freedmen, and attribute their short comings to ignorance & suddenexaltations. They now only wish the labor they pay for, and somesecurity for the great outlay of Capital already made. Most of us wouldbe pleased to have an ag't of the Bureau, a just man, in our midst. I onlyknow of one gentleman in the neighborhood who was in the Federalservice, a Capt. Hardie; if he would accept the appointment or not I donot know. If you would send an ag't here to look into matters, and giveus some advice, I would be pleased to have him make his quarters withme for a week or two.

I am with respectYour Ob'dt Sv'tS.D.G. Niles






N.B.Will you be so kind as to let me hear from you at your earliestconvenience.

AddressS.D.G. NilesRosedale LandingBolivar CountyMiss.






N-5 F.B.S.M. 1866Linden, Miss.June 30, 1866

M.317 (R.F.& A.L. Vol 6) 66

Nelson, B.F.

States that he has a Freed boy living with him named James Hendersonwhose mother living in Virginia, desires to have come to her.

Asks if transportation can be furnished.

ApprovedBemis

Bureau R.F.& A.L. WashingtonRec'd Jul 12 1866


Head Qrs Dept Miss.,Bureau RF & ALVicksburg, Miss,July 3rd 1866

Respectfully forwarded to Maj Gen O.O. Howard, Commissioner Bu R F& A L with request that transportation be allowed as requested within.

Th: J. WoodMaj Gen VolsAsst Comm'r

Freedman's Bureau State of Miss * Received * 1866 B

War DepartmentBureau Ref. Freedmen &cWashington July 12, 1866

Respectfully returned to Maj. Genl. T.J. Wood, Asst. Comm &c with theinformation that transportation was furnished for James Henderson(col'd) from Linden, Miss, to Fairfax C.H. Va, and forwarded to Capt H.Gardner Supt. &c Jackson, Miss. (thro' office Asst Comr.) June 30, 1866

By order ofMaj. Genl. Howard Com'r A.P. KetchumA.A.A. General





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