Lacey describes conditions in several counties, including Augusta County. He writes the the local government levied a poll tax to support the poor, but does not know if it will take effect in time for the winter, and notes the opposition to establishing schools for blacks in rural areas.

Peck acknowledges receiving a circular from the Bureau.

Nelson Irwin writes a very poignant and wrenching letter to General Schofield, the head of the Potomac Military District, pleading for justice and protection for blacks. He refers to an upcoming trial in Staunton and claims that blacks live under a "reign of terror". Irwin asks Schofield to use military power to intervene on the side of the law, writing, "We gave to the rich white man our best years, our strength, our youth, our sweat, and now that we are free, we get in return meanness, tyranny and injustice." Judging from the papertrail, this letter was passed all the way to Orlando Brown.

Carse, the Bureau Agent in Lexington, sends a telegram from Staunton to military authorities informing them of the murder of a black man by a white law student and alerting them to the suspect's escape.

In his letter, James Paul of Augusta County describes how he helped capture a fugitive from Lexington. There appears, however, to be at least one page missing from the letter, as the story does not seem complete. Paul states that because of his part in capturing the fugitive, Fitzgerald, he is entitled to at least part of any reward.

Carse updates Brown on the murder case of Patrick Thompson and the escape of his killer, J. C. Johnson, about which he originally notified authorities from Staunton. According the the October 16 Stauton Spectator, Johnson escaped from Lexington to Augusta County, where he was arrested in Fishersville.

Cook inquires as to whether the black community in Staunton may expect assistance from the Bureau to build a school building. Cook writes that without help, the building will be poorly constructed and would be an "embarrassment" to the community.

Carse reports that Johnson, the accused murderer, has been arrested. According to newspaper reports, Johnson was arrested in Fishersville and initially held in the Augusta County jail.

Cook notes the acknowledgement of a War Department Circular by the overseers of the poor in Augusta County.

Cook asks for a five-day leave of absence to go to Washington, D.C.

Cook responds to Irwin's letter to General Schofield. He provides more details on the case to which Irwin referred, stating that he believes these particular charges to be just. Cook does, on the other hand, concede that blacks must tread very lightly around whites, and the abuse of blacks by whites is unfortunately frequent.

Hall asks Terry for information about W. Storer How's whereabout so that he may ask him about a horse. Terry forwards the letter to How with a note that he gave Hall that information.

Cook's detailed monthly report includes his commentary on the problems of labor and employment, low wages, the struggles to provide for children in freedmen's families, poll taxes, and the level of political engagement in Augusta County. He concludes his letter by stating: "The prejudice of the white man against allowing any rivalry by the black man must be conquered before the latter can become in the full sense of the word, free."

Cook indicates a general improvement in court proceedings, although he notes that public sentiment still prevents blacks from receiving fair trials.

Remington asks How if he knows anything about the claim of a Doctor Shelton. The paperwork for the claim appears to be missing.

Manly asks Cook for details about the state of schools in Staunton.

Cook observes, in his monthly report on Bureau Affairs, that the freedmen in Augusta County have no faith in the Civil Courts to grant them justice when they seek redress against their employers. Cook suggests bringing back the Freedmen's Courts and enforcing them vigorously.

This report by Cook emphasizes the difficulties in getting Magistrates to hear civil suits brought against whites, especially in matters of money owed blacks.

Brackett reports on the schools in his district, which encompasses the Shenandoah Valley. According to Brackett, Staunton has the most black students in the Valley, and Waynesboro still needs a place to hold classes.

Manly seeks clarification from the Staunton teachers about their attendance statistics for November 1866.

Piper clarifies an apparent mistake about the number of students at his school in Staunton. The name of the school is not given in the letter.

Cook requests permission to employ a clerk in Staunton so that he would be available to travel to other regions in his Division.

Cook enquires about the status of a woman's daughter who is in a hospital in Richmond.

In his monthly report, Cook notes that while violence against freedmen is infrequent, low wages keep them in a state of poverty. One Freedman is aggravated by the lack of room in poor houses.

Cook's report expresses surprise at the level of fairness in criminal trials, but also notes that several cases of assault will come before Grand Juries in February 1867.