Freedmen's Bureau Records: John A. McDonnell to
Orlando Brown, February 12, 1867
Summary:
McDonnell's report sums up his impression of the case against Frederick Tukey in
Staunton, and directs General Brown's attention to the evidence submitted with
the report.
February 12th 1867
Winchester, Virginia
Respectfully returned to Brevet Brigadier General O. Brown with the enclosed evidence, and following report.
First: As to selling clothing sent Mr Tukey for gratuitous distribution. From the evidence of Reverend James Scott, Oscar Morris, Henry Davenport, and the admission of Mr Tukey himself, it appears he sold clothing sent him for gratuitous distribution by benevolent societies. What quantity was sold or amount realized from such sales I am unable to say. Mr Tukey in his conversation with Reverend Mr. Lawson said Eleven (11) dollars was the amount, while his own statement admits eleven (11) dollars and some cents. No record of sales, or cash received was kept by Mr Tukey, and consequently no evidence as to the amount being large or small could be obtained. Mr Tukey in [unclear: extenuation] says authority was subsequently obtained from the Society furnishing the clothing, for its sale, but that evidence cannot be produced by him. Again he says Mr Scott and himself sold the clothing to aid the Methodist Church, but the philanthropy or charity of enriching a church at the expense of naked women and children is as questionable as it was clearly outside Mr Tukey's duty to be engaged in such traffic while employed as an officer of the Bureau.
Second: As to the reputation he acquired among the several classes of the people.
In the absence of the assessor of Internal Revenue to whom my attention was
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directed in this connection, I took the evidence of the most
respectable and intelligent colored people, also the teachers and Mr Graham,
with such evidence as Mr Tukey himself could provide, and I am clearly of the
opinion from the evidence taken, that those having business with Mr Tukey have
no confidence in him, and with them at least his reputation is doubtful.
Third: As to the manner in which his office was conducted. With the exception of
a "Memorandum book of complaints" no records were kept by Mr Tukey during his
former administration. That book and a few letters received and filed, are the
only evidence that remains to show that the Bureau then existed there. Since Mr
Tukey has been re-instated, he has kept no records whatever. He says he has made
application for a letter book, but where, when, or to whom, does not appear. He
certainly has not done so to me. The letters testifying to Mr Tukeys character
and standing in society received subsequent to my visit to Staunton are
respectfully forwarded herewith, and attention [unclear: directed] to
them. Not deeming it my [unclear: province] to seek grounds for further
accusations, I have confined myself as closely as practicable to the
instructions received. In reference to Lieutenant
Cook no evidence was obtained to show that he disposed of any clothing, while
the repuation he acquired seems to be as good as could reasonably be expected.
Mr Tukey charges that he was frequently in the teachers rooms after hours,
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but Mrs Tukey or Mrs Dunn, although in the same house, say nothing
about [added: it] in their sworn statements. In his
office but one book was kept by Lieutenant Cook,
namely a "Memorandum Book" containing a record of complaints and occasionally an
endorsement and a letter received, the whole very unintelligible, confused, and
insufficient. In the administration of cases brought before him, it appears he
gave satisfaction as nothing is known to the contrary.
In conclusion the attention of General Brown is invited to all the papers in the case which together with this report, is respectfully submitted.
John A. McDonnell
Captain and Superintendent
9t District
Department of the Potomac
E&M 118 RF&AL DofP 1.V.67.
