Freedmen's Bureau Records: Frederick S. Tukey to
John A. McDonnell, January 25, 1867
Summary:
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.
Bureau of Refugees
Freedmen & Abandoned
Lands
Sub-District Augusta &
Highland Counties
Captain John A. McDonnell
Superintendent
9th
District
Department Potomac
Winchester Virginia
January 25th 1867
Staunton Virginia
Captain
I have the honor to submit the following report of Bureau affairs for the Month of January 1867.
About fifty complaints have been made at this Office during the present month by
Freedmen, the most of which have been claims against Citizens for labor. some of
which have been settled by
Warrant
Trials before Magistrates with but little satisfaction
or justice to the Negro. Some by Referees and some
are still pending settlement. The White Citizen seem to think that the Black Man
has no right to complain of his wrongs, no matter how grievous they may be he
must bear them all in silence, and if he ventures
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to make them known
it is a heinous offense for which he must be brutally
knocked down and beaten with the first thing that can be gotten hold of.
This is the rule. I am glad to say that there are honorable exceptions to it, and am inclined to the opinion that the old prejudices are slowly wearing away. This is manifest more particularly in their general demeanor toward the Colored Schools, and Teachers than in any other way, for both (I think) are treated with more respect than they were one year ago.
I am Captain with [added: much] Respect
Your Obedient
Servant
Frederick S. Tukey
Assistant
Superintendent
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abadoned Lands
