Freedmen's Bureau Records: Thomas P. Jackson to
Garrick Mallery, June 3, 1867
Summary:
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.
Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
Office 4th Division 9 Sub-District
Virginia
Captain Garrick Mallery 43d
U.S.I.
Acting Assistant
Adjutant
General
Richmond Virginia (Through Headquarters 9th District
Virginia)
June 3, 1867
Staunton Virginia
Captain
In compliance with Circular 6 S. 1866 (Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands) I have the honor to report on the condition of Bureau
affairs in the 4th Division 9th Sub-District
comprising the counties of Augusta & Highland. The condition of
freedpeople is improving slowly it is true, as the large majority of Whites who
are employers are in straitened circumstances themselves but surely they are
being thrown more and more on their own resources, and are learning the value -
here at least - of time and money. The fact that the Freedman is now a citizen
is generally recognized and he is spoken of and treated with more consideration.
Employment is readily procured on farms, public works and lumbering at fair
wages and the large crop of grain and grass which will soon be ready for harvest
must place labor at a premium in this Valley. Numerous complaints are made at
this office of refusal to pay for labor under old contracts or sharp practice in
settlements under them but as a general rule I find the parties willing to
settle promptly and justly. Threats of discharge of Freedmen vote contrary to
the wishes of employers are very common but I attach but little importance to
them for the Freedmen will vote Republican almost
[page 2]
to a man and the
farmers of the two are the most dependent upon the other as with their large
prospective harvest [added: they have] the most at
stake and they will care less how the Freedman votes than how he works. The
feeling between the Freedmen and their [unclear: former] masters is
friendly with remarkably few exceptions. The condition of the sick, aged and
helpless both old and young has been much improved by the issue of rations
received at this Station and I am hopeful that with the incoming of garden
vegetables, further assistance from the Bureau will not be necessary as most
have small garden or corn patches and these will supply considerable food, while
friends will be able to help also.
As to Medical attendance I respectfully renew my remark as to the needs of freedpeople in this Division. Dr. S.C. Harris completed this month twelve month gratuitous prescriptions and supply of medicine to the most indigent and afflicted colored people in Staunton. I have been personally cognizant of these services since my assignment to this station and I regret much that Dr. Harris informs me this morning he cannot afford his services and medicine longer, without remuneration sufficient to pay for the latter.
I received a copy of General
Oliver O. Howards Circular
Letter of May 15/67 with reference to establishment
of "Lincoln" Temperance Associations and the general discouragement of drinking
intoxicating liquor and have made a suggestion in accordance therewith to some
of the leading
[page 3]
colored men in Staunton. If a copy of the constitution
and bylaws of the Central Society at Washington can
be furnished I have no doubt a branch organization can be established here. I am
happy to state that in Augusta & Highland, drunkenness is much more
prevalent among White than colored people and quite
exceptional among
the Whites.
Generally the future of the Freedman in my Division is full of promise. The aged and orphans, of whom there are many, must continue dependent upon local or National charity for some years, but the able-bodied male and female will shortly be able to take care of themselves, physically and politically.
Respectfully submitted
Your obedient servant
Thomas P
Jackson
Agent
