Johnson's statement of June 1865 attests to the seizure of Wholey's property and lumber by the military.

Torbert asks that a Bureau Agent be appointed for the Shenandoah Valley, as he does not know how to the handle the problems being presented to him.

In this letter, which came to the attention of How at the Bureau office in Staunton, L.P. Dangerfield apologizes for hiring someone's (the letters presumed recipient) former slave without written consent. How would reply that no such permission can be required.

Curtis details the organization and division of his Military District in Virginia. He designates Staunton to be the Sub-District headquarters for Augusta and four surrounding counties. Curtis instructs Brown to designate men to serve as Bureau superintendents for districts that correspond to the Military organization to avoid conflicts and lack of personnel.

Howard approves the detail of an officer to head a Bureau office in the Shenandoah Valley and gives further instructions in the matter.

How reports his arrival in Staunton to assume the post of Bureau Superintendent. He also requests that necessary forms and documents be furnished.

How proposes to convert an engine seized from the Confederate government into use with a saw mill to provide employment and lumber in the region.

How writes to the Superintendent in Winchester, describing some of the general duties and responsibilities of a Bureau officer.

How answers an inquiry from an L. P. Dangerfield about hiring newly freed blacks. How writes that the government will protect the rights of whites and blacks.

How asks that officers be commissioned to serve in the Bureau throughout the Shenandoah Valley.

How's first report as Bureau Superintendent in Staunton sheds light on the early post-war situation of freed blacks. He writes that their new freedom seems tenuous as their former masters threaten to reestablish slavery once Union troops have left. How also notes that he has had trouble hiring military personnel to staff the office, and so has hired civilians.

How reports that he and his staff have been sick of late, and unable to complete all of their duties.

Tukey writes to say that he has recently taken up his post in Staunton, and will not be able to go the Mission House in Portsmouth. He remarks that at least four teachers will be needed in Staunton, and he gives the name of two he would recommend.

How asks for three officers to be stationed at several places in the Sub-District.

How describes the case of James Campbell, a free black who owned a house which was confiscated by the Confederates. How asks that an investigation be conducted in the matter.

How submits a request for supplies.

How writes that the officers he expected are being mustered out of his District, and will therefore need more. He notes that "it will be impossible to establish the relations of the Freedmen to their former masters without the aid of the military."

Tukey asks how to get in touch with W. H. Woodbury, and what travel arrangements exist for teachers.

How reports that he is unable to provide DeLamater with medical information about his district because he does not have enough personnel to gather it.

How describes the school situation in his Sub-District, finding 366 black children under the age of 14 in Staunton, as well as adults who are also interested in receiving an education.