|
One of the primary functions of the Bureau was to address the day to day
problems of the freedmen and destitute whites. These included providing
clothing, food, and other aid. The Bureau received many applications for
such aid, but was limited in what it could provide due to its small
budget. The freedmen also sought the Bureau's aid in establishing
churches and schools. While the Bureau did not have funds for this
purpose, it was able to put the freedmen in contact with Northern aid
societies which appropriated funds for land, buildings, teachers' salaries,
and basic necessities such as books and furniture. The Bureau received
more letters from freedmen and destitute whites seeking aid than on any
other single topic.
-
Churches:
After the war, freedmen had few options for religious services, because
for the most part blacks had been offered no formal religion in the
South. The Bureau aided in the construction and founding of a number of
churches in Augusta County.
-
Schools: The Bureau directed funds from Northern
aid
societies for the construction and funding of schools for the freedmen.
-
Aid: As in all areas, funding was very limited for
aid, however the
Bureau was able at times to provide funding for aid for both destitute
whites and freedmen in the form of clothing, rations, and other provisions.
 Return to the Valley of the
Shadow |
