Peck, President of the Augusta County Overseers of the Poor, explains what resources the county may be able to provide to help support poor blacks. He seems optimistic that the county will be able to provide such support through a tax levy.

How submits a requisition for flags, justifying its necessity by pointing to the "impatience of the people to witness these emblems of restored authority."

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.

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

This personal letter to How from Addison Terry was written after How left the Bureau and Virginia. Terry relates the reorganization of the Bureau which moved Augusta County from the Winchester to Lynchburg jurisdiction. Terry comments that as a result the Bureau's power is even less than it was before. The rest of letter contains personal news from Winchester and commentary on the tense political situation in that town.

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.

Tukey corrects a report he sent Brown earlier in the day, replacing the name of Edward M. Cushion with that of Harvey Risk, commenting on his political views.

Tukey responds to a request from the Assistant Commissioner, and provides a list of six whites and six blacks who can possibly serve as community leaders. Tukey comments on the political attitudes and loyalty of the white citizens, and on the literacy and general character of the black citizens he lists.

Tukey forwards descriptions of the voting and magisterial districts for Augusta County.

McCutchen inquires about his potential appointment as a County Registrar.

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.

McCutchen asks for advice from Jackson related to his appointment as County Register, and notes that the estate of John McCutchen, a relative, will not be settled for some time, as their is a claim against it by Henry Alexander.

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

Peck writes that the Board of Overseers of the Poor have made additions that will enable the county to support blacks who need assistance. Peck also states that the county will not support blacks who came to Augusta County after the surrender.

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

Batis thanks Jackson for a recommendation for a local post.

Brackett discusses a school tax law, although the specifics of his letter remain unclear.

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

Jordan relates the details of a demonstration led by the Ku Klux Klan in Staunton. According to Jordan the Klans quite obvious displays have aroused both the white and black communities and threatens the public peace.

McDonnell asks for information about Waldo's appointment as Agent.

McDonnell send Waldo forms that he had requested.

McDonnell asks Waldo to recommend loyal and qualified men for the posts of Commonwealth's Attorney and County Clerk.

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

Waldo reports that the Commonwealth attorney in Augusta County, James Bumgardner, is a rebel sympathizer and recommends the importation of a qualified and loyal man to fill the post. He does recommend that William Burnett remain in his position as County Clerk.

McDonnell instructs Waldo on whom to consult about his duties as Registering Officer, a position he will presumably assume once his commission with the Bureau has ended.