Freedmen's Bureau Records: Thomas P. Jackson to
Garrick Mallery, May 1, 1867
Summary:
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.
Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
Sub-District Augusta &
Highland
Captain Garrick Mallery 43d
U.S.I.
Acting
Assistant
Adjutant
General
Richmond
May 1s 1867
Staunton, Virginia
Captain
In compliance with Circular 6 S. 1866 (Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands) I have the honor to report a condition of Bureau affairs in this Sub District That in Highland County the general feeling towards Freedmen is unfriendly but they avoid all controversy and are gradually migrating to adjacent counties wherever they find opportunity to better their condition.
In Augusta County employment is readily procured at fair wages, $8 to $12 per month for men, with rations, which taking into account the cheaper price of Corn Meal & Bacon is equal to higher rates paid in Eastern Virginia [unclear: Mess.] Mason Railroad contractors wish to employ 100 or more laboring men at $1 per day [added: without rations] or $16 per month & Rations, 15pounds Bacon, 3pounds Coffee, 6pounds Sugar, 75 pounds Corn Meal, & 1 Pound Salt, also free passage to the works, between Jackson River and Covington, if they remain one month or upward. Mess. Mann [unclear: &br] refer to Governor F. H. Pierpont & others for Wood Choppers $15 per month is offered and such labor is in demand.
The condition of the Aged, Sick & very young both White and Colored is
however distressing and I
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regret to find myself without Food or
Clothing to relieve the many deserving applicants, especially of those living in
Staunton. Mr. Bunch, Overseer of the Poor has inadequate means at his command it
is true but he lacks any sympathy whatever and I have been [added: compelled] rather sharply to insist upon relief for old
and sick colored women.
Referring to my predecessor's Report under date April 1st 1867 I would most respectfully call your attention to the need for providing some Medical attendance for the very poor in this place. At Staunton is the focus for seven (7) important Turnpike roads, hence there is always a floating population who have here neither home or friend, and if sickness overtakes them are helpless.
Dr. S. C. Harris of this town has to my knowledge since my arrival here, and as I learn previously, not only given his professional services, but medicine without pay. His own circumstances are very straitened and though he freely donates the past he cannot go further unassisted. I therefore on behalf of many sufferers, some sick of typhoid fever, ask an appropriation of twenty-five ($25) per month for Dr. S. C. Harris if he will continue to prescribe and furnish medicine for destitute colored person at Staunton. If a small amount of Food can be issued it will alleviate much distress.
Respectfully submitted
Your Obedient Servant
Thomas P.
Jackson
Agent
