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Freedmen's Bureau Records: John A. McDonnell to John W. Jordan, April 28, 1868

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

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Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
Head Quarters 9th Sub District Virginia Colonel John W. Jordan
Assistant Sub Assistant Commissioner 4th Division
Staunton, Virginia

April 28, 1868

Winchester,

Colonel

The following extract from a communication received from Head Quarters Assistant Commissioner District of Virginia, is furnished for your information and guidance, viz:

"It is not thought advisable that Bureau Officers or Agents should attend political Conventions.

"While it is clearly their duty to advise the freedmen in regard to their civil and political rights under the Laws of Congress, it is not deemed proper that officers or agents should become political partisans."

Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant

John A. McDonnell
Sub Assistant Commissioner