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.

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

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

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

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

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."

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's letter refers to his reports on refugees, and on lands held by his Bureau office.

How indicates that he is forwarding a supply request and a report of civilians employed in his District.

How informs General A. F. Terry of his plans to travel with General Ayers through parts of western Virginia. He gives instructions for Frederick Tukey in his absence.

How requests copies of several orders from the Richmond office.

How requests permission to move his District headquarters from Staunton to Winchester, as he feels the more important part of the district are more accessible.

How lists which reports he has, and has not, filed with the Bureau office.

This portion of Special Order 64 pertains to the relocation of the Sixth District Headquarters from Staunton to Winchester, under W.S. How.

How requests a personal appointment with Colonel Brown in Richmond to discuss matters related to his District.

How's letter to Colonel Brown asks a procedural question.

How forwards two monthly reports--of rations issued and of men working in the Bureau.

How submits a request for supplies for the coming winter, including heating stoves for Bureau offices and fuel for gratuitous distribution.

How recounts his organization of his sub-district, and gives a general evaluation of the condition of former slaves, including their developing relations with whites.

How confirms that he is moving the District Headquarters to Winchester.

How lists the various reports he is submitting to Richmond.

How lists the reports and forms he is sending to Richmond, presumably as a part of the transfer from Staunton to Winchester.

How's letter refers to the physician who he employed to tend to some of the poor in Augusta County. How instructs Tukey on how to file a request to have the doctor paid for his services.

How addresses all of the district's Assistant Superintendents as a group, instructing them that they are not to make groundless arrests outside of the proper channels of the legal system.

How responds to what appears to be a report of discrepancies in the rations accounts in Staunton.

How informs Brown that he will be leaving for Staunton to conduct a tour of part of the District.

How responds to an enquiry from the Quartermaster Department related to his service before becoming Superintendent of the 6th District.

This Circular instructs Assistant Superintendents to confiscate the firearms of those blacks who hunt on the Sabbath.

How circulates his instructions to his agents in the field regarding their duties for the Bureau. The instructions urge vigilance and efficiency in the execution of their responsibilities, and also communicates an optimistic and paternalistic attitude toward free blacks.

How sends his estimates for supplies needed for the upcoming quarter and justifies his requests for fuel and a wagon each for Winchester, Staunton, and Lexington.

How submit his ration reports, and explains why they are incomplete.

How writes about how best he may procure his needed supplies.

How informs Bureau Headquarters of his intention to travel to Staunton, although on what business is not known.

How reports on outrages committed against blacks in his district. Most of the incidents he describes happened in Augusta County.

How's letter expresses grave concern that most of the Federal troops are being mustered out of the Shenandoah Valley. He believes that it will be nearly impossible to sustain the Bureau's activities without military support because of the high level of local opposition.

How requests a detachment of troops with a commissioned officer, to be stationed at Staunton, and at Lexington, to support and aid Bureau agents.

Tukey acknowledges a transportation order.

How's letter endorses Frederick Tukey's decision in the E.P. Walton case (although said decision is not disclosed in this letter). He also asserts that he needs a detachment of at least 30 men stationed in Staunton for that area of the sub-district to be able to function properly.

How submits his reports concerning officers and civilians employed by the Bureau.

How submits corrected receipts for "medical services rendered the Freedmen" in Staunton, appearing defensive in his assertions that the expenditures were "necessary" and "pressing."

How informs Brown that he will be traveling through part of the District, ending up in Staunton.

How temporarily places Captain George Wells in charge of Bureau affairs while How travels to the upper portion of his district, namely Staunton.

How alerts Brown to his upcoming tour to Staunton and the upper portion of his district.

How responds to an order that appears to relate to his transportation supplies in the district. In response, he relates the shortage of transportation available to his agents, emphasizing the danger of Bureau agents traveling alone. He also describes the problems arising from the fact that his district spans two separate military departments.

How writes Brown from Staunton regarding a problem with cashing U.S. government checks in the area, necessitating that he and other Bureau employees pay additional fees. He also requests information about his desired promotion to Major.

How's letter attempts to settle account balances with Headquarters.

How announces his attention to make yet another tour through the upper portion of his District, asking that all communication be forwarded to him at Staunton.

How informs Orlando Brown that he wishes to retire from Bureau service and move elsewhere with his wife. He expresses regret and gratitude to Brown and also makes a recommendation for his potential replacement.

This requisition order by How asks for "Service Recruiting" flags and halliards for display in front of Bureau offices throughout the District to demonstrate the presence of government authority and to reassure those who support the government.

How writes to Brown before what appears to be his resignation from the Bureau. How proposes a reorganization of the Sixth District due to conflicts with General Terry, the Military Commissioner for the Valley. He suggests that two counties be placed under the jurisdiction of West Virginia, where much more progress has been made in terms of laws protecting the rights of free blacks, and further splitting the district into two parts, one of which would be commanded from Staunton. His letter constantly alludes to conflicts and misunderstandings between the Bureau and the Military Commissioners.

In this letter, H.H. Wilson announces his intention to leave Augusta County for Pennsylvania. It is unclear in what capacity he served the Bureau, although it may have been as a clerk.

Dews asks for remuneration for the services he has performed for the Bureau in Augusta County. His letter mentions his own loyalty to the Union cause, and the difficulties it has caused him. Dews actual position in Staunton, was as magistrate on the Freedmen's Courts, but attached endorsements to his letter indicate that he received very little money in fees from the court, and was paid by the Bureau at a clerk's salary.

This letter refers to the proper forwarding of reports.

Remington reports on the property used by the Bureau in the Sixth District. He notes that the Bureau office in Staunton used the local court house.

Cook reports on the County taxes assessed for 1866, including the levy for poor relief.

This portion of the roster that was furnished to Bureau headquarters lists the Assistant Superintendents in charge in the Seventh District, to which Augusta County was transferred in June 1866.

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.

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.

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

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

Harris leases the upper floor of a building to the Bureau in Staunton for an unspecified purpose.

Riles leases one room in a building for the Bureau's use in Staunton.

McDonnell's report sums up his impression of the case against Frederick Tukey in Staunton, and directs General Brown's attention to the evidence submitted with the report.

Tukey's telegram informs Brown that he has an urgent need to travel to Richmond.

McDonnell requests a report on how many white people in Jackson's district who need food but are not supplied by either the county or the Bureau.

McDonnell forwards paperwork related to the transfer of responsibility from F.S. Tukey to Jackson.

McDonnell asks for a detailed report on all school buildings in Jackson's Division.

McDonnell clarifies several bureaucratic issues for Jackson, including one regarding payment for forage of his horse.

Garrick Mallery submits a copy of excerpts of John McDonnell's District report. The excerpts concern the compilation of marriage registers and the apparent lack of appropriate forms for such purposes.

Sharp responds to an apparent inquiry Jackson made about procuring a horse.

Jackson submits a request to McDonnell for a suitable horse, which would allow him to attend court in Highland County, where many of the cases involving refugees and freedmen are being handled. McDonnell ultimately responded to this communication, and sent a horse which he deemed as "skittish, but not at all dangerous."

McDonnell reports to Brown about the need in Staunton for rations and clothing to distribute to the poor. McDonnell writes that he has instructed Jackson to make the proper application for such supplies.

Whittelsey issues a transportation order of Nicholas Johnson, whose transport had been requested by Thomas P. Jackson, agent in Staunton.

McDonnell requests that Jackson send him a list of rations and clothing needed in his district, noting that he has not received such a report in several months.

McDonnell transmits the three-month inspection report for the 9th District.

Jackson forwards ration request reports to McDonnell in Winchester.

Whittelsey forwards transportation order for Elizabeth Smith.

McDonnell explains to Jackson how he must file his reports on rations issued by the Bureau.

McDonnell sends blanks for the registration of marriages and children among the black population.

McDonnell describes the horse he is giving Jackson for transportation around the division.

McDonnell explains the procedure for purchasing rations for destitute persons in Jackson's division.

McDonnell authorizes Jackson to spend $150 to repair a schoolhouse in Waynesboro.

This lease outlines the terms whereby the Bureau in Staunton will lease a building for use as a school house from George Bickle.

Stitt asks about the Registers (of Marriages?) in Staunton

This letter between Jackson and McDonnell concerns registers of marriages and children.

Jackson asks permission to postpone the registration of marriages and children among the black community until such time as voters are registered, to save time.

The text of Thomas Jackson's oath of loyalty to the United States before the assumption of his post in Stauton. The oath was witnessed by Staunton's Mayor, Nicholas K. Trout.

Terry, in McDonnell's absence, asks Jackson to submit paperwork related to the renting of space for schoolrooms.

McDonnell asks Jackson to sign his oath of office for his position in Staunton.

McDonnell authorizes Jackson to spend $300 on repairs for a school in Staunton, and explains to him how to process the payment vouchers.

McDonnell instructs Jackson regarding the lease of a building for use as a school.

McDonnell authorizes Jackson to purchase rations for destitute whites in his Division, and describes in detail, how Jackson is to account for and report these purchases.

McDonnell criticizes Jackson for not filing his reports on time.

McDonnell asks Jackson to clarify his report on the rations distributed in his district, and impresses upon Jackson the need for consistency in his reporting procedures.

McDonnell writes to Jackson about missing Circulars.

McDonnell writes a relatively informal letter to Jackson regarding an application for clerks in his division.

McDonnell berates Jackson for his continued inability to send forms in on time.

Jackson asks permission to employ a clerk during a particularly busy period in his office.

McDonnell's memo to Jackson details the procedure for claiming traveling expenses for animal forage if Jackson's duties take him outside of Staunton.

Jackson discusses account vouchers for a recent trip he took related to his registration duties.

Jackson acknowledges the receipt of transportation orders for teachers in his Division, although the teachers are not named.

McDonnell writes Jackson from Staunton, where he had arrived to check Jackson's books and records. McDonnell, however, was unable to find either Jackson or his records, and submits him a list of questions to answer in detail in his next monthly report.

McDonnell criticizes Jackson for the late submission of two purchase accounts.

McDonnell informs Jackson that his monthly estimate of rations required has not been received in McDonnell's office.

McDonnell corrects one of Jackson's forms.

Jackson informs McDonnell that he will not need any rations for the coming months, and McDonnell tells Jackson in the accompanying endorsement that he is required to submit the proper form in a timely manner even if no rations are required.

McDonnell tells Jackson that he cannot authorize the issue of clothing in his district.

McDonnell chastises Jackson for not filling out his reports on the proper forms.

McDonnell sends Jackson's school report back to him a second time for correction, because Jackson once again failed to include data on the gender of those enrolled in schools.

McDonnell chastises Jackson for submitting his expense accounts too late.

McDonnell's letter details the supplies he is sending to Jackson, asking him to use them with all possible economy.

This letter's author explains the bureau's policy on providing medicine to indigent freedmen.

McDonnell explains to Jackson the process of estimating and requesting rations.

Whittelsey forwards transportation order for Margaret Frazier and other children, requested by Thomas P. Jackson.

McDonnell asks for the birthplace of Jackson and his messenger, Charles Teagle, as well as information on where they lived when they were first appointed to the Bureau.

McDonnell forwards a list of Bureau employees in his district to Brown in Richmond.

McDonnell's list of Bureau employees in the 9th Sub-District.

McDonnell asks Jackson to provide information regarding the condition of freedmen under the Bureau's jurisdiction in Augusta and Highland counties so that McDonnell can prepare his quarterly report.

McDonnell asks Jackson to forward any purchases made related to the school in Waynesboro for accounting in Richmond.

Jackson issues clothing for a mentally ill patient en route from Staunton to a hospital in Richmond.

McDonnell tells Jackson to send in his invoice for a lumber purchase immediately.

McDonnell asks Jackson for an estimate of how much clothing he will need for distribution during the coming winter.

Manly writes Kennedy that he has decided to send Mary Rowell to Staunton to serve as a teacher, since the teachers who were in Staunton the previous year have not returned. He also refers to Thomas Jackson as one of the Bureau's best agents.

Terry, the clerk in Winchester, returns an expense to Jackson for correction.

McDonnell's letter summons Jackson to Winchester, and makes reference to a possible election scandal involving Jackson's district.

McDonnell conveys a reluctance to send Jackson an enlisted soldier as an assistant, due to the distance.

Manly informs Jackson that the Bureau will cover the balance of expenses for a school in Staunton above what he can obtain through tuition from the students and the Freedman's Union Commission in New York.

McDonnell gives Jackson permission to issue clothing to destitute freedmen.

Chalfin reports that Jackson's request for a messenger is denied.

McDonnell forwards Thomas Jackson's request to hire a messenger for his office.

Brackett's letter refers to transportation orders to Staunton for three teachers, although they are not named in the letter.

McDonnell asks for a report from Jackson regarding the general condition of freedmen in his district. McDonnell asks about justice in the courts, marriages, labor supply, schools, and temperance.

McDonnell follows up on a lumber purchase intended for school desks in Staunton.

Brackett asks Jackson to forward any letters he may have received during his trip to Washington.

Hall asks Jackson to transmit the order regarding the case between Crebs and Pitman to the Augusta County Clerk's Office.

McDonnell informs Jackson about submitting accounts for postage.

McDonnell sends a form back to Jackson for correction.

McDonnell describes the procedures by which Jackson is to keep account of the Bureau's supply of clothing for gratuitous distribution to the poor.

The text of McDonnell's loyalty oath to the United States Government.

McDonnell instructs Jackson on how to report clothing distributed by the Bureau.

Lee, the Sub Assistant Commissioner for the 10th Virginia Sub-District, sends Jackson a supply of women's clothing.

McDonnell acknowledges the issuing of women's clothing in Jackson's district.

McDonnell points out an error in Jackson's reporting procedures.

In declining an offer of transfer to Southampton, Jackson launches into a personal political manifesto, expressing his views on the current political situation, the prospect of black suffrage, and the relations between whites and blacks. He writes, "I want the fullest equality for all men before the law but am opposed to attempting to mix oil and water, black and white in one homogenous social mass because it cannot be done." He also expresses his belief in the importance of widespread education for ensuring the stability of society.

McDonnell asks Jackson to forward the names of people who were recently issued clothing from the Bureau.

McDonnell writes Jackson concerning his accounts of clothing distributed by the Bureau.

McDonnell makes a request for yet another report from Jackson about his district, including the ability to provide relief for the local poor

McDonnell describes the organization of the 9th Sub-District, including Augusta County (in the 4th Division).

McDonnell announces that $40 has been authorized for the repair of a schoolhouse in Laurel Hill.

Jordan is informed that his monthly report is overdue.

Jordan is informed of his transfer to Augusta County.

McDonnell settles accounts with Jackson over Bureau property before Jackson leaves and John Jordan takes over as agent in Staunton.

McDonnell informs Jackson of several errors he made in recent reporting procedures.

This letter transmits Jackson's appointment as agent (although the actual order is not attached). It may be presumed that this order specified the terms of his new post, as it was in March 1868 that Jackson ceased to serve as the Bureau agent in Augusta County.

Jackson receives notice of his appointment as Bureau Agent (presumably for his transfer out of Augusta County).

The text of Jackson's [renewed?] loyalty oath to the United States Government.

McDonnell asks Jackson to report when he will be in Monterey, the seat of Highland County, and if its County Court meets at the same time as Augusta's.

McDonnell acknowledges Jordan's arrival in Staunton, and informs him that there are no special instructions beyond what he may find in the office at Staunton.

McDonnell quotes from a Circular stating the need to restrict the political activity of agents while they are representatives of the Bureau.

McDonnell sends Jordan a set of forms, and instructs him as to how he may request and receive forms in the future.

McDonnell itemizes the office supplies being sent to Jordan, noting that Thomas Jackson, the previous agent, generally required more than was normally allotted. McDonnell also instructs Jordan on how to report its usage.

McDonnell discusses school report forms, and another, unspecified form.

McDonnell asks for a prompt completion of requisition forms.

McDonnell communicates with Jordan regarding an appropriation request for the repair of a schoolhouse made while Jackson was agent.

McDonnell forwards a Circular to Jordan from Headquarters.

Jordan asks the local teacher in Waynesboro to complete a report about schools for blacks in the area.

Jordan asks McDonnell for an appropriation of twenty dollars for the Waynesboro Freedmen's Schoolhouse, which McDonnell declines in the attached endorsement.

McDonnell asks for a report of buildings being rented by the Bureau in Jordan's division.

McDonnell forwards an instruction Circular to Jordan, and informs him about certain stationery supply procedures.

DeLamater forwards the transportation order for Edward Brooks, from Howard's Grove Hospital, in Richmond, to Staunton.

In his very detailed report, Jordan states that he tries to avoid the adjudication of disputes involving freedmen in the courts because of the pervasive prejudice in the system. He recommends the establishment of military courts that would have jurisdiction over blacks and other "loyal" citizens, so that they would be able to receive fair trials. He also calls for the extension of the Bureau's tenure, and an increase in its powers to work against opposition to the government.

Jordan requests a leave of absence to see his brother, who he reports was in an accident.

In light of a bill passed by Congress in reference to the Bureau, Jordan asks to be retained in his position.

McDonnell submits information about himself and several other Bureau Agents, including John W. Jordan, the agent in Augusta County.

Jordan reports that he has not yet used his leave of absence.

McDonnell gives Jordan instructions about vouchers.

McDonnell instructs Waldo to submit his Clothing Receipt Rolls by the 15th of the month.

McDonnell instructs Waldo to send horse supplies to the Agent in Woodstock.

McDonnell forwards receipts for clothing issued.

McDonnell expresses surprise that Waldo is requesting money for a school house in Waynesboro, because as McDonnell explains, $150 was already appropriated for that purpose while Jackson was the agent for Augusta County, and no more aid can be expended.

McDonnell sends Waldo his pay for the month.

Judging by this inquiry, Jordan seems to have disappeared for a period of time following his transfer out of Augusta County.

Waldo passes along orders to Bell, a constable, informing him that the previous orders relating to a case have been revoked.

Trout, the mayor of Staunton, states his agreement with John Watts' request that Roswell Waldo remain stationed as the Bureau's agent in Staunton, and not be relocated.

Jordan is informed that his postage accounts from his tenure in Augusta County were well over the normal amount, and is asked to clarify the accounts.

Manly asks Waldo to inform the Methodist Church in Waynesboro that they promised to use their church as a school house for all children, regardless of religious denomination, and Bureau funding was given to them on that condition. Manly writes that the Bureau expects them to uphold their promise and keep the school open for all.

Watts, a lawyer in Staunton, appeals that Roswell Waldo's order to transfer to Wytheville be revoked, observing Waldo's excellent performance as the Bureau's agent in Augusta County.

This communication from Jordan to Waldo concerns two claims. Jordan writes that one is in order, but he needs clarification on the second one. The substance of the matter is unclear from the letter.

McDonnell's letter to Waldo attempts to clarify an aspect of the reporting procedure for schools in Waldo's division.

McDonnell instructs Waldo to sell Bureau property at a public auction prior to the closing of the office.

McDonnell's letter describes the articles of clothing being shipped to Waldo for distribution. McDonnell explains to Waldo how he should account for and distribute the clothing.

At the end of his appointment with the Bureau, Waldo requests that he and his family receive transportation to Washington, D.C. and from there to his home in Ohio.

McDonnell asks Waldo to issue certain articles of clothing just received from Richmond.

McDonnell asks Waldo follow up on McDonnell's earlier request to submit recommendations for the posts of County Clerk and Commonwealth Attorney.

McDonnell's letter to Waldo concerns invoices for clothing.

McDonnell tells Waldo not to employ a professional auctioneer for the sale of unspecified items, as the cost is unnecessarily high.

McDonnell asks Waldo to put his records in order and send them to McDonnell in preparation for the cessation of Bureau activities in Staunton.

Waldo is informed that his term of service will end when the Bureau is discontinued at the end of the month.

McCutchen asks for the Registration Lists (of what type is not certain) from Waldo.

Waldo reports that he has turned over the Bureau's Register of Marriages over to the Augusta County Clerk.

Burnett acknowledges the receipt of the Register of Marriages from Roswell Waldo.

Waldo informs McDonnell that he has sent him the records for the 4th Division, 9th Sub-District.

Scott asks how he may receive boxes of books from New York by government post now that the Bureau office in Staunton has closed down.

Waldo writes that he was delayed in Staunton after the date of his resignation from the Bureau, and asks for pay to compensate for his expenses. An attached order indicates that the Bureau complied with Waldo's request.

Jordan asks for a copy of the order relieving him of duty as Bureau Agent in Staunton.