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

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 writes to Shumate, asking him to appear in order to settle James Hamilton's claim against him. How lays out the details of his argument against Shumate as well.

How instructs Tukey regarding a circular that appears to concern the Bureau's role in mediating disputes within the community.

Tukey is directed to compel William Shumate to settle his claim with James Hamilton.

Skinner writes regarding an order about the restoration of property belonging to his mother, Clara Skinner, in Norfolk. Both, however, reside in Staunton.

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.

Wholey writes to the War Department about property of his in Staunton that was seized first by the Confederate Army, and then by the Union Army. The lot was since turned over the to Freedmen's Bureau, and Wholey requests the return of the lot and compensation for lumber he stored on the property.

How recommends that a Thomas Wholey be allowed to take lumber from an abandoned barracks in Staunton, and that the black community should use the remaining lumber for the construction of a church.

An unspecified group of church members write on behalf of Emily Rodney, who was prevented from holding religious meetings by Frederick Tukey.

Emily Rodney writes to protest her being barred from preaching to the black population of Staunton by Frederick Tukey and the Freedmen's Court. She writes that the people should be free to worship as they choose, and complains that she was not given a proper hearing. The attached endorsement by Tukey states his side of the case, in which he argues that Miss Rodney was undermining the unity of the community.

Alexander states that McCutchen will not pay him a sum a money unless forced to.

McCormick makes a statement regarding Madison Taylor, who appears to owe money, but claims he will not be able to pay until he receives money owed to him. The exact circumstances of the issue are not clear from the letter.

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.

Jackson forwards a complaint regarding one party's failure to pay money owed. As the case crossed division lines, the complaint was forwarded to R.S. Lacey, the Sub Assistant Commissioner of the seventh Sub-District, and it was subsequently passed on to J.W. Sharp, the Agent in charge of Rockbridge County.

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.

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

The firm of Crawford and Brother agree to settle a claim filed through the Bureau.

Thomas Awde claims he has already settled accounts with a Henry Reeves (who presumably filed a claim at the Bureau).

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

Jackson asks Paul to submit a certified copy of the employment contract with Governor Walker, son of William Walker.

Jackson asks Beck to explain what he knows about a dispute between Alexander Bumgardner and John Shuey.

McDonnald writes to contest a claim that he refused to convey a girl in his care to her friends in Augusta County, stating that the girl did not wish to go and wished to remain with him.

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

Jackson forwards a complaint of neglect by Fenton Wells, and asks that her husband be found and required to support her.

Jackson refers a complaint by Alfred Stribling to Wilson for resolution.

Jackson affirms his decision regarding a dispute between Spitler, Daniel Lee and a Mr. Grant.

Jackson asks the recipient to appear in his office in order to settle a complaint against him.

Haskill is urged to settle his account with Boston Lane.

Kunkle attests to Hite's oath that he cared for a wounded Union soldier in 1864, and states the amount of compensation he desires.

Jackson orders the Crawford brothers to settle their debt with the Simm brothers immediately.

Smiley asks Jackson to help him get an extension on some of his debts, because he is disabled and does not want to lose his livestock to pay the debt.

Jackson inquires if McDonnell has information about a complaint regarding money owed.

Jackson informs Carson that a Joseph Harrison claims Carson owes him $41 plus interest.

Clark, the minister of an African Methodist Church in Staunton, makes a statement to Jackson about an unspecified complaint that had been made about his congregation's occupancy of the church building.

Clark once again responds to an unspecified claim made against his congregation, asking Jackson to see the complaint, so that he and his congregation may have the chance to respond properly.

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.

Jackson forwards a complaint by Alexander Anderson against the U.S. Government to McDonnell.

James Curtis reports that two men claim that he owes them money related to a house and lot he purchased before the war.

Sharp responds to a complaint passed along by Jackson regarding money owed to a Staunton resident. Sharp describes his efforts to resolve the situation and the possibility of repayment.

Branham writes that she will agree to pay Joshua Harris if Jackson drops the suit against her.

Although now residing in Tennessee, Harrison writes to Jackson to find out whether or not Jackson has the power to pursue a case in which Harrison was not able to collect payment for some land he sold near Middlebrook before the war, because he refused to accept Confederate money. His letter details the circumstances of the matter, and asks for help, or at the very least, advice, from Jackson.

Marple lets Jackson know that he and Zacheriah Lewis will resolve their situation without help from Jackson. The nature of the conflict is not known.

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.

Crawford writes Jackson in reference to a lot in Waynesboro and the claim of a Mr. Morrison to it.

This letter appears to relate to legal services Jackson rendered before his tenure as agent in Staunton.

Jackson gives McDonnell an update on the case between James Carson and Joseph Harrison, which remains to be settled since Carson refuses to pay.

Jackson informs Greaver that Paul Madison believes he is owed money by him, and advises Greaver to settle the matter through the Bureau.

Harris directs Jackson to give the money owed to him by Mrs. Branham to his family to live on until he returns from West Virginia. Harris also sends his regards to various members of the community.

Hall asks Jackson to give his opinion on several cases being forwarded him by Hall, one of which involves a stolen horse.

Hall asks Jackson to have Isaac Crebs, a resident of Augusta County, provide a statement regarding his claim against the Pitman estate.

Jackson writes about two unsettled cases, referring them to Hall, Augusta County's Military Commissioner.

Jackson asks how Collins may be separated from his wife, Hannah. [In this letter, Collins' name is given as Daniel, while in a previous letter, he is referred to as David]. McDonnell's endorsement states that the only way to be legally separated is for Collins to file for divorce.

Jackson tries to negotiate with the Methodist Episcopal Church regarding the use of their basement for a school.

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.

Shoveller, representing the Methodist Episcopal Church in Staunton, informs Jackson that they will not accept the Bureau's terms for using the church basement as a school.

Dunlop writes that he will be in town and would like to discuss a claim made against him in person with Jackson.

Jackson's letter to McDonnell attests to the character of Joshua Harris, a freedmen who made a claim against his employer, Mr. Jacchesi.

Jackson writes to McDonnell about the case of York Kidd, who would be able to pay his way to Tennessee to live with his children if he were able to settle a claim against R. W. Smith. McDonnell instructs Jackson what action to take in the attached endorsement.

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

Jackson forwards information about a custody dispute.

McDonnell asks if David Collins has yet obtained a divorce from his wife, Hannah.

Jackson informs Gibson about a claim Adam Green has made against him. Jackson writes that Gibson cannot charge Green rent or dispossess him until they have reached a settlement.

This letter of unknown provenance, describes what a James Wait claims a Mr. Burdett owes his niece, Dorcas Wait.

An excerpt of an order from the Military District Headquarters overturns a court decision concerning the possession of a plot of land. The Military Commissioner granted the land to Jacob Pitman's widow, Margaret, instead of turning it over to an Isaac Crebs.

Jackson writes McDonnell about the Alexander-McCutchen case, noting the the administrator of the McCutchen estate requires legal proof before he will settle the claim.

Nelson states that he will call on Jackson in a few days so that Jackson may review his accounts as related to a dispute between Nelson and a Harner Green.

Johnson refers to a claim of Ben Martin against the McCutchen estate.

Jackson writes that Brown is "harboring" a girl who is indentured to a J. Mitchell, and must return her. Jackson's subsequent note indicates that she was returned.

Jackson informs William Woods that he owes Joseph Lewis $7.00 in rent.

Jackson's letter concerns a dispute between John Brent and the company Henry Miller and Son.

Hoffman states that he will be coming to Staunton to settle accounts with a Richard Banheart, presumably a former employee.

William Chapman encloses a check to Jackson, although the circumstances of the payment are not clear from the letter.

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

Frazar, another Bureau agent, asks Jackson to have John Brent report to his office in Lexington, presumably for mediation with Joseph Miller.

Jackson relates the ongoing efforts to Henry Alexander heirs to sue the estate of J. McPhetus McCutchen.

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.

Bond informs Jordan that a claim has been rejected. Although the case was resolved while Jordan was the Agent in Staunton, it appears to be related to his previous post.

Grandison receives $12.50 in a settlement against Harvey Risk.

Waldo comments on the lack of criminal cases involving blacks during the current month, and notes that he is continuing the practice of settling civil cases through the Bureau office.

Waldo requests payment on behalf of a young worker's mother.

Waldo reports the condition of schools in Staunton and Waynesboro to McDonnell. In this report, he clarifies some of the conflicts over school room use in both towns. He finds it unfortunate that the community "would sooner prefer that their children should remain uneducated rather than 'defile' their church by its use for Educational purposes." Waldo also describes a sectarian conflict between the black Methodist and Baptist congregations in Waynesboro over the use of a building.

Waldo requests that a gunsmith return to his owner a pistol placed in his care for repair a few months prior, or compensate the owner for the loss of the weapon.

In his report, Waldo remarks that although he knows of no cases of actual discrimination in the legal system, he observes a "spirit" of injustice towards blacks and whites loyal to the Union government among Magistrates. Waldo also reports that he continue to settle civil matters outside of the courts.

Bell is asked to state what he knows about a dispute between Nicholas Cozzens and Frederick Cary regarding Cozzen's occupation of a piece of land owned by Bell.

Waldo inquires as to why Mines seized a horse from the couple to whom he had sold it.

Waldo requests that Jackson pay his debt to John Grens.

Waldo explains his reasoning in a case involving a wage dispute between Booz, Burdett and Cornelia Moore. Waldo finds that all parties are equally at fault and are responsible for equal portions of the claim.

Waldo summons the recipient to his office to give testimony on a matter of unpaid wages to John Randolph.

Brown informs Jackson about the status of the case between John Brent and John Miller.