Freedmen's Bureau Records: W. Storer How to L. P.
Dangerfield, August 7, 1865
Summary:
How answers an inquiry from an L. P. Dangerfield about hiring newly freed blacks.
How writes that the government will protect the rights of whites and blacks.
Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
Head Quarters 6th District Virginia
Mr. L. P. Dangerfield
Rockspring Bath County
Virginia
August 7th 1865
Staunton Virginia
Sir
You are quite at liberty to hire any colored man without the consent of his former master, as he is also at liberty to engage his services without such consent.
The "citizens" who "resolved that no one should [unclear: hire] &c" would seem to have been quite willing that white men should lose freedom of action, if only black men could be hindered in the exercise of the freedom they have acquired and cannot lost. Your government however will see that the rights of all are respected and maintained.
I am Sir Very Respectfully
(signed) W. Storer How Captain&Assistant Quartermaster
Superintendent 6t DistrictVirginia
True copy of note sent Dangerfield W. Stover How
