Freedmen's Bureau Records: George T. Cook to J. H.
Remington, May 31, 1866
Summary:
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.
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
Office of Assistant
Superintendent
Sub-District B
Brevet Major J. H. Remington
Superintendent
May 31st 1866
Staunton Virginia
Sir:
I have the honor to make report of Bureau affairs in compliance with Circular from Headquarters Sixth District Virginia
Augusta County.
In this County I am informed by my predecessor the freedmen are as a rule working steadily, during the month rations have been issued to sixteen (16) persons - mostly women and children.
Complaints of various kinds have been entered upon the books but mostly for small sums of money.
Highland County
I have not visited as yet but learn that the freed people do not number more than one hundred (100) person in the County - have received no complaints from them.
Rockingham County
has never had an agent of the Bureau for any
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length of time - the
better class of whites are inclined to treat the freedmen fairly and are I think
willing to give them opportunities to improve and have subscribed quite freely
toward building them a church - but there are a large number bitterly opposed to
them. I had two or three cases of assault brought to my notice by freedmen about
the middle of the month and referred them to Civil Magistrates but have received
no notice to attend trials - some freedmen complained that they were often
threatened with violence if they went to the "Bureau" - I do not apprehend that
much can be done for them under the present restrictions of the "Bureau."
I have registered in compliance with Circular number 11
Headquarters
Assistant
Commissioner - in the County of
Rockingham one hundred and fourteen couples with their Children and since coming
to this County one hundred and seventy (170) couples [added: additional] enclosed please find a blank form which I
filled and gave out in both instances as an incentive to them to come forward
and also to make it easier to find their names in future if required - It has
been suggested to me that by putting a [unclear: Rev.] Stamp on, it
would be a legal instrument for them to retain and with which in case of the
husbands death the widow could claim property
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I think the idea worthy
of mention but do not feel at liberty to take such a course without authority.
I have the honor to be Sir,
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient
Servant
George T. Cook
1st Lieutenant and Assistant
Superintendent
