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.

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 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 inquires about the Bureau's jurisdiction over free-born and previously manumitted blacks.

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 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.

Schilling gives information about an unnamed woman who was once a slave in Staunton, owned by James Trotter. The Bureau correspondence regarding this case revolves around an effort to find employment for her in Staunton, so that she can move there, but Tukey claims that there are no jobs to be found at present.

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.

In a letter written by her son, Sarah Craig disputes the claims of a former slaver of hers, Ellen Taylor. Among other things, she states that she is not responsible for any thing that happened before the emancipation.

This contract details the terms of employment between D. Kunkle and Reuben Gouldin.

Dunn contests her dismissal as teacher in Staunton and her transfer to North Carolina by N.C. Brackett, the Superintendent of Schools for the Shenandoah Valley. She claims that her dismissal is the direct result of evidence she gave in the case related to the conduct of Frederick Tukey (her brother-in-law) and George Cook, both Bureau Agents in Staunton. The students and parents of her school would later sign a petition for her reinstatement.

McDonnell reports no cases of unemployment among the black population of the 9th District.

Jackson asks for McDonnell to clarify the details of a contract between Punch Fox and John H. Rippitoe, regarding whether or not Rippitoe agreed to teach Fox the trade of brick masonry.

A statement by Hoffman to employ the nephew of a Jordan Grandison.

Jackson refers a case to Dr. Kennerly for arbitration.

This agreement states that Samuel Parent and William Saulsbury will submit any disagreements pertaining to their contract to the arbitration of an A. J. Thompson, after Samuel Kennerly refused to serve as arbitrator. The agreement is witnessed by Thomas P. Jackson.

Tate responds to a claim filed against him through the Bureau. Tate claims that while the amount he owes the other party is correct, he is owed approximately the same amount in unpaid rent.

James Cook disputes a claim made by an Alfred Stribling, who was formerly in his employ.

Kennerly's letter states that he refuses to get involved in the matter that Jackson had asked him to arbitrate.

Cleveland forwards the letter to him written by Poe about the marriage of Peggy Brown to a man named Ben. Cleveland relates Ben's complaint that Poe mistreated him and kept him from his wife.

G. W. McCutchen makes a statement to Jackson about the alleged indebtedness of a deceased relative to Henry Alexander, a former servant.

This document is Paul's copy of a contract in which William Walker hired his son out to a D. Newton VanLear for the period of one year.

McCue submits an agreement between Walker and VanLear, in which they declare their dispute over a contract settled.

Jackson encourages Marple to settle an employment claim against him through the Bureau, instead of in the courts.

Jackson's letter to Joseph Milsted relates an accusation against Milsted's wife, who beat the child of Peyton Harris, a man whom Milsted employs. Jackson also states that Milsted has no right to beat anyone, and that he must supply reasonable cause in order to breach a contract.

Annie Branham's letter to Jackson alludes to a dispute with her servant, Joshua, over the amount owed to him in wages.

Annie Branham states that she will wait until her accounts with her servant Joshua are examined by "disinterested persons" before she takes further action, but maintains that she owes him nothing.

Jon Kline writes Jackson to request that he remove James Bell from his property, whom Kline accuses of being abusive to him and his family.

Jackson informs Brown, that as per the terms of his contract with a Mr. Shaw, Shaw has the right to evict Brown from his property since Brown has ceased to work for him.

Richard Banks believes that a Captain Miles Trice did not fulfill his end of a contract.

Mrs. James Harden writes to Thompson about a woman, Horner Tines, she employed as a cook. According to Harden, the other servants believe Tines is a conjurer and will not work with her, but Tines refused to leave after she was dismissed.

Opie's letter to Jackson describes what he believes to have been a breach of contract on the part of two freedmen laborers.

Peyton, of the Virginia Hotel in Staunton, writes Jackson that he has no intention of settling accounts with Sarah Skinner, a former employee until he can verify that the hotel has no counter-charges against her.

Hanger recounts his experience with Harriet Lee, an employee of his. He claims she ran off leaving one of her daughters behind and being in debt to Hanger. Hanger also notes that she wanted much higher wages than he was willing to pay, considering that he also provided for her three children.

Jackson's report notes that it is especially difficult for freedmen to receive fair settlements in cases brought against their employers.

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

Goodloe forwards information about a Lewis Lurner on to Jackson, as a claim was filed against Turner at the Bureau.

Hardin writes Jackson that a boy he hired through the Bureau has run away, and Hardin asks assistance in recovering him.

McDonnell reports no cases of unemployment among blacks in Augusta County, although there are some cases in another Division of the Sub-District.

Detailed contract between a freedmen and an Augusta County planter.

Peter Hanger asks Jackson if he knows of anyone available for hire as a cook. Hanger's letter describes the good working conditions in his home.

Harman relates the details of a case in which a young man who was hired out by a man named Swink, did not complete his contract. The issue appears to be one of how much money, if any, Swink owes the man.

Helfelfinger writes that a boy in his employ ran away without giving notice and broke his contract. An attached note gives the boy's full name as Jesse Lewis.

McDonnell reports on the employment situation throughout the 9th Sub-District, noting that in the Shenandoah Valley, the demand for laborers exceeds the supply.

Keiser asks Jackson to help him to evict three hired people whose term is up.

Sallie Myers submits a reference for an Esther Smith, who has worked for Myers for 15 months. Smith had submitted a complaint against her husband, Albert Smith, who deserted her in 1863.

This document appears to be the accounts between Mary Jackson and her employer John Harman, although the handwriting renders it difficult to decipher.

Garnett informs Jordan that he will pay H. Holland the money he is owed for work with the railroad company.

Garrett's letter to Jordan deals with discrepancies between the wages owed to several men, and the obligations their employer (name unclear) assumed for them.

Dews applies to Brown for employment in the Bureau or other branch of government. Dews was once a member of the Freedman's Court in Staunton, and claims that he is presently unable to find work in his profession because he remained loyal to the Union during the war.

Tukey writes a letter recommending William Dews and attesting to his character. Tukey and Dews worked together in Staunton while Tukey was Agent there.

Hoshour justifies the dismissal of two employees from their duties at the Western Lunatic Asylum.

Waldo requests payment for Peyton Harris, who was cheated out of two days' pay.

Waldo asks Tannehill to deduct the wages of his employee, Charles Brown, who is accused of stealing certain items from a Joshua Harris.

Waldo wishes to know the details of a contract between Nicholas Cozzens and Carey. Carey had promised that Cozzens could live on his land for the fee of cleaning up the property, but now insists on charging rent.

Waldo requests that two freedmen be compensated as payment due them has been delayed.

Jones receives $4.15 in wages owed to him from Henry Doom.

Waldo reports that many freedmen are now unemployed.