The Valley of the Shadow

Freedmen's Bureau: Offical Monthly Reports


Bureau Agents at the local and district levels were required to file reports on a monthly and quarterly basis which summarized the general condition of freedmen under their jurisdiction. These reports contain a wealth of information which spans all themes and topics. Topics of commentary included the condition of schools in the area, how many freedmen were able to find jobs and at what wages, how many people received material aid from the Bureau, and the state of the judicial system, as well as crime levels. But they also talked about the "moral development" of the black community in terms of marriage relations and temperance. Relations between blacks and whites also received considerable attention.


Race Relations | Violence | Family | Education | Monthly Reports | Employment/Labor | Mediation | Legal System | Public Welfare | Politics | Loyalty | Church | Franklin County | Administration/Bureaucracy | Tukey Case | Miscellaneous

  • W. Storer How to Orlando Brown, August 8, 1865
    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.
  • W. Storer How to Orlando Brown, September 1, 1865
    How submits a report on general conditions in the Sixth District, including Augusta County. He writes of the difficulties in organizing Bureau affairs, the attitudes of former slave-owners, and the efforts to provide for the poor in the region.
  • W. Storer How to Orlando Brown, October 5, 1865
    How files a report detailing the completed organization of the Sixth District, which Headquarters will shortly move from Staunton to Winchester. In his report, he observes some problems in providing poor relief, especially for women with many children, and the continued adjustment of blacks to their new status in society.
  • W. Storer How to Orlando Brown, November 3, 1865
    How files a report about the condition of blacks in his District. He writes that there is a pervasive fear about what will happen once the Bureau ceases its protection, citing the attitudes of their "implacable neighbors." His report also discusses employment conditions and the situation of the poor and needy.
  • W. Storer How to Orlando Brown, November 4, 1865
    How submits his report for the Sixth District, including Augusta County. Of particular note, he comments on the importance of the presence of Union troops to the Bureau's continuing activities.
  • W. Storer How to Orlando Brown, December 11, 1865
    How submits a summary of conditions in the Sixth Sub-District, of which Augusta County was a part at this time. Although he does not mention Augusta County, directly, How discusses the problem of poor relief, and the need to have troops stationed in each county, if the Bureau's work is to be effective.
  • W. Storer How to Orlando Brown, February 3, 1866
    How's monthly report refers to a case in Augusta County of E. P. Walton, described in detail in Tukey's report to How. How also refers to the problems resulting from the lack of a sufficient military presence in the region and requests a military detachment to be stationed in Staunton. Such a detachment would then be capable of deploying to surrounding counties when necessary.
  • W. Storer How to Orlando Brown, January 9, 1866
    How summarizes conditions throughout the Sixth Sub-District. In reference to Augusta County, he mentions a riot on Christmas day, and the intransigence of the white community.
  • Frederick S. Tukey to W. Storer How, January 31, 1866
    Tukey's monthly report summarizes the condition of blacks in Augusta County. In the report he discusses the practice of making employment contracts, the "flourishing" state of schools, and attacks against the Bureau in the newspaper, The Valley Virginian. Tukey also gives the details of the Walton case, in which Walton refused to abide by a court decision against him. Tukey recommends that he be arrested and sent to Richmond to demonstrate that laws and court decisions will be enforced.
  • Frederick S. Tukey to W. Storer How, February 1866
    Tukey submits a report on the condition of free blacks in Augusta County, noting the efforts to build a school, as well as some of the problems faced by the poor.
  • Horace Neide to Orlando Brown, April 30, 1866
    Neide submits his inspection report of the 6th, 7th and 8th Districts. The portion of his report pertaining to the 6th District and to Augusta County have been transcribed.
  • George T. Cook to J. H. Remington, May 31, 1866
    Cook's monthly report discusses rations to the poor, the registration of married couples and their children, and problems encountered by free blacks in the court system.
  • J. H. Remington to Orlando Brown, June 18, 1866
    Remington files his quarterly report about conditions in the 6th District. Regarding Augusta County, he comments on the low wages earned by black laborers, the inability to receive justice in the civil courts, the progress being made in registering married couples and the flourishing condition of the schools. He also comments on George Cook's abilities as Agent.
  • George T. Cook to R. S. Lacey, June 30, 1866
    Cook gives a negative assessment of the attitudes of the local white population toward free blacks in Augusta County, noting that juries frequently go against the law in cases involving freedmen. He also discusses the registry of free blacks and the problem of vagrants.
  • George T. Cook to R. S. Lacey, July 31, 1866
    Cook's report talks about the inability of free blacks to receive fair trials, as well as the local population's desire to keep freedmen "in their proper place." Cook fears that justice will not be possible until attitudes change.
  • Horace Neide to J. M. Schofield, August 20, 1866
    Neide submits an inspection report of the 7th and 8th Districts. At this time, Augusta County was a part of the 7th District, and such portions of Neide's report are transcribed here. His remarks concern the ability of blacks to find justice in the local courts, the registration of marriages, and the general abilities of George Cook, the agent.
  • George T. Cook to R. S. Lacey, August 31, 1866
    Cook's report notes the rise in charges of petty larceny against blacks, but also the relatively low number of complaints of poor treatment.
  • R. S. Lacey to Orlando Brown, September 7, 1866
    Lacey describes conditions in several counties, including Augusta County. He writes the the local government levied a poll tax to support the poor, but does not know if it will take effect in time for the winter, and notes the opposition to establishing schools for blacks in rural areas.
  • George T. Cook to R. S. Lacey, October 31, 1866
    Cook's detailed monthly report includes his commentary on the problems of labor and employment, low wages, the struggles to provide for children in freedmen's families, poll taxes, and the level of political engagement in Augusta County. He concludes his letter by stating: "The prejudice of the white man against allowing any rivalry by the black man must be conquered before the latter can become in the full sense of the word, free."
  • George T. Cook to R. S. Lacey, November 30, 1866
    Cook observes, in his monthly report on Bureau Affairs, that the freedmen in Augusta County have no faith in the Civil Courts to grant them justice when they seek redress against their employers. Cook suggests bringing back the Freedmen's Courts and enforcing them vigorously.
  • George T. Cook to R. S. Lacey, December 31, 1866
    In his monthly report, Cook notes that while violence against freedmen is infrequent, low wages keep them in a state of poverty. One Freedman is aggravated by the lack of room in poor houses.
  • Frederick S. Tukey to John A. McDonnell, January 25, 1867
    Tukey writes about the failure of blacks to get labor disputes settled, as well as the attitude of the local white population, which he views as very negative towards the freedmen, except in regard to education.
  • Frederick S. Tukey to Orlando Brown, February 28, 1867
    Tukey's report discusses wage levels for freedmen, labor disputes, and efforts to aid the sick and destitute among the population through clothing donations and the possible employment of a physician.
  • Frederick S. Tukey to Garrick Mallery, April 1, 1867
    Tukey reports that he did not have enough rations to distribute to the poor, and again calls for the Bureau to hire a Physician to care for the sick who are unable to afford medical care.
  • John A. McDonnell to Orlando Brown, April 30, 1867
    McDonnell submits a report for all counties in the 9th District, including Augusta County. In this report, he comments on the condition of freed blacks in individual counties, as well as on their general situation in the Valley.
  • Thomas P. Jackson to Garrick Mallery, May 1, 1867
    Jackson's first report as the Bureau's Agent in Staunton mentions job opportunities with the railroads, but he also notes that he has neither clothing nor food to give to the poor. Jackson reiterates Tukey's request for funds for a physician.
  • Thomas P. Jackson to Garrick Mallery, June 3, 1867
    Jackson's monthly report to the Bureau is relatively optimistic. He writes that the local population is coming to accept the fact that freedmen are citizens, and that they are more willing to settle contract disputes justly. Jackson also discusses the improving prospects of the poor, and the general lack of drunkenness, although medical care is still in short supply.
  • Thomas P. Jackson to Garrick Mallery, July 1, 1867
    Jackson's report on the condition of Bureau Affairs is optimistic due to the prospect of good crops and the need for labor in Augusta County. He writes that because of the demand for labor, whites are more likely to overlook the participation of freedmen in "Radical" politics.
  • Thomas P. Jackson to Orlando Brown, July 31, 1867
    Jackson writes that while the condition of most freedmen in Augusta County is tolerable for the present, more support will be needed as winter approaches. Jackson renews his request for a medical requisition, but also mentions the need to try to reunite the families of the aged and orphaned. His report also discusses temperance and the political attitudes in the county.
  • Thomas P. Jackson to Orlando Brown, August 31, 1867
    Jackson's report is optimistic in regards to the employment situation and general economic condition of blacks in Augusta County, but he writes that the moral condition leaves less to be desired, citing drunkeness and frequent cohabitation. He also remarks that local whites view the political independence of blacks as "little less than a heinous crime."
  • Thomas P. Jackson to Orlando Brown, September 30, 1867
    One of the issues Jackson discusses in his monthly report concerns the ease with which white employers defraud free blacks, because blacks are not yet sufficiently educated to keep records pertaining to their employment. Jackson also notes a rise in complaints related to physical assaults against women. The letter also discusses relief for the poor, the ineffectiveness of the judicial system, and the need for religious and moral education among former slaves.
  • John A. McDonnell to Orlando Brown, October 1, 1867
    McDonnell reports on conditions in the four Divisions of his Sub-District, from employment opportunities for blacks, to the availability of legal justice.
  • Thomas P. Jackson to Orlando Brown, October 31, 1867
    This report by Jackson primarily concerns the relations between whites and blacks and political attitudes in Augusta County following an election. Jackson also notes the connection between voting behavior and the willingness of employers to sign contracts.
  • Thomas P. Jackson to Orlando Brown, November 30, 1867
    Jackson's report notes a general decline in relations between whites and blacks in Augusta and Highland Counties. He reports that conservative whites have turned the "energy of Rebellion" against blacks and any union loyalists, and that the freed population is becoming increasingly frustrated.
  • Thomas P. Jackson to Orlando Brown, December 31, 1867
    Jackson's report mentions an inflammatory comment allegedly made by a local magistrate, contrasts the sobriety of blacks around the Christmas holiday to "the brawling and drunkeness of the common white men," and describes efforts to procure aid for the poor.
  • Thomas P. Jackson to Orlando Brown, January 31, 1868
    In his report, Jackson comments on the continuing problem of contract negotiation and disputed wages between employers and laborers. He also worries about conservative whites' efforts to "defeat the Constitution."
  • Thomas P. Jackson to Orlando Brown, February 29, 1868
    Jackson's report to Brown describes the ongoing problems with contract negotiations, relief efforts, the rise in drinking, and the political views of whites and blacks in Augusta County.
  • Thomas P. Jackson to Orlando Brown, March 24, 1868
    In this monthly report, Jackson relates many of the problems in the black communities to the lack of education and the "vices engendered by slavery." He also reports on the diverse employment opportunities in his Division, as well as the tense relationship between whites and blacks over the issue of the State Constitution.
  • John A. McDonnell to Orlando Brown, April 1, 1868
    McDonnell submits the quarterly report for the 9th Sub-District including Augusta County. In relation to the condition of blacks in Augusta County, McDonnell bemoans what he considers to be the persistence of "immoral" behavior and "lewdness." He does note, though, that the schools in Augusta seem to be flourishing. His report concludes with more general observations about attitudes toward education and social mores. He also mentions the transfer of Thomas Jackson out of the 4th Division, remarking that "this Sub-District loses the services of a most valuable officer, which is as much regretted by the Freedpeople of his division as by myself."
  • John W. Jordan to John A. McDonnell, April 30, 1868
    Jordan files his first report as the Bureau's agent in Augusta and Highland counties. His initial observations reflect much of what Jackson reported in earlier reports, including the reluctance of freedmen to use the courts to settle claims against their employers. Jordan notes that there is surprisingly little drunkeness in his Division, and that the schools appear to be flourishing.
  • John W. Jordan to Orlando Brown, May 31, 1868
    Jordan's monthly report is largely positive and optimistic about the state of affairs in Augusta County. He does, however, observe that while white farmers seem to possess "kind" feelings towards freedmen, townspeople possess an "intense hostility" toward the exercise of civil and political rights on the part of blacks.
  • John W. Jordan to Orlando Brown, June 30, 1868
    Jordan remarks that blacks in Augusta County have made enormous strides in improving their welfare considering the disadvantages arrayed against them. He believes that they can accomplish much if the obstacles are removed. In that respect, he concludes his report with the following statement: "the interests of the Freedmen, the Loyalists and the Federal Government demands the continuance of the Bureau with enlarged powers and more extended and substantial authority."
  • John A. McDonnell to Orlando Brown, July 1, 1868
    McDonnell submits his quarterly inspection report for the 9th Sub-District, which include Augusta County. While his comments about Augusta County are neither as detailed, nor as elegant as those related to Frederick County, McDonnell makes observations about the education, economy, moral condition, and political attitudes of blacks in Augusta.
  • John W. Jordan to Orlando Brown, July 31, 1868
    In his report, Jordan notes the high demand for labor and the opportunities for employment for the blacks of Augusta County. He also discusses in some detail the political attitudes of whites in the county.
  • John W. Jordan to Orlando Brown, August 31, 1868
    Jordan reports that the distrust felt among blacks in Augusta County is a product of the fact that whites do not want to recognize their status as citizens, and because they continued to be taken advantage of in the labor market.
  • Roswell Waldo to Orlando Brown, September 30, 1868
    Waldo's first monthly report as the Agent in Augusta and Highland Counties talks about the deceptive behavior of white employers when settling labor contracts, and he labels such practices "unmanly, ungenerous [and] outrageous." He also mentions that almost no preparations had been made to make schools ready to open at the beginning of the fall term because the local black communities lacked resources and outside help was rare.
  • John A. McDonnell to Orlando Brown, October 10, 1868
    McDonnell submits yet another quarterly report for the 9th Sub-District. His assessment of the situation in Augusta County is largely positive, although on a more general note, he comments that the news of the Bureau's impending cessation of operation has been met with much regret among the black population. McDonnell expressed doubts about the ability of the law alone to protect recently bestowed rights from the influence of local prejudices with means of enforcement.
  • Roswell Waldo to Orlando Brown, October 31, 1868
    Waldo's report comments on the rising need for Bureau aid as demand for labor decreases, as well as the prevalence of intemperance, which has largely gone unnoticed according to Waldo because of the efforts to keep alcohol consumption "clandestine."
  • Roswell Waldo to Orlando Brown, November 30, 1868
    Waldo writes about the poverty in his district and the Bureau's lack of supplies with which to alleviate it. He also comments on the difficulty in opening schools due to lack of funds.
  • Roswell Waldo to Orlando Brown, December 31, 1868
    In Waldo's last report on Augusta and Highland counties, he relates the increasing problems between whites and blacks once the Bureau's impending closure was made public. He writes that those who have always opposed the Bureau are beginning to show "their true colors." His report also mentions the high levels of poverty during the winter season.
  • John A. McDonnell to Orlando Brown, December 31, 1868
    McDonnell submits his last quarterly report to Bureau headquarters in Richmond. In relation to Augusta County, he mentions the persistent problems with contracts and the efforts to defraud free blacks. But he also notes the progress made in education, and the decline in intemperance. McDonnell closes his report with some pessimistic observations about the fate of blacks once the Bureau is dissolved. He writes: "after restrictions are removed the colored people will be again reduced to servitude for a compensation of the coarsest food and clothing." He also commends General Brown for his work in the Bureau.


Race Relations | Violence | Family | Education | Monthly Reports | Employment/Labor | Mediation | Legal System | Public Welfare | Politics | Loyalty | Church | Franklin County | Administration/Bureaucracy | Tukey Case | Miscellaneous


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