Freedmen's Bureau Records: William J. Dews to
Orlando Brown, July 8, 1868
Summary:
Dews applies to Brown for employment in the Bureau or other branch of government.
Dews was once a member of the Freedman's Court in Staunton, and claims that he
is presently unable to find work in his profession because he remained loyal to
the Union during the war.
Brevet Brigadier General O. Brown
Assistant Commissioner
Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
July 8th, 1868
Richmond,
General:
I have the honor to make the following brief statement, and application, to which, I venture to hope, you will accord a favourable consideration.
I claim to have been strictly a loyal man to the United States Government during the Rebellion - have ever been so - refusing to aid the Rebel Government, at the point of the Bayonet, in this city. After suffering, more than I should be willing to inflict upon you in a communication, or otherwise, I made my escape through the lines.
I am a native Virginian, and after the suppression of the Rebellion, returned to
Staunton (Augusta County), at which place I became connected with the Bureau
Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands as Commissioner or agent,
[page 2]
on the
part of the Freedmen; and also clerk for Mr. F. S. Tukey, then Assistant Superintendent of that Sub-District. After the Freedman's Court was abolished by
orders I was connected with the United States B.C. at
Staunton. Upon the completion of the work returned to Richmond where I have
attempted to resume my profession (I am a teacher of Music) but owing to the
fact of being well known as an uncompromising Union man, having been connected
with the Bureau, and having testified before the "Reconstruction Committee" (to
which I beg leave to call your attention) I find it totally impossible to make a support for myself and child at my profession
on account of the direct and indirect influences operating against the interests
of loyal men. Having no means I have no resources but to seek employment in some
branch of the Government.
In view of these circumstances, General, I herewith respectfully make application to you for a clerkship or any situation in your gift in your Department where I could be useful and derive a support for myself and child.
I refer to Mr. F. S. Tukey, Assistant Superintendent in Caroline County, Lieutenant Lahea
Assistant Superintendent at Farmville,
Prince Edward County, and will present the [unclear: endorsation]
[page 3]
of loyal citizens of Richmond. I will have certificates from
[unclear: Messrs.] Tukey and Lahea in a few days.
I take occasion to say General, that I should not have intruded thus upon your time, but for the circumstances of my case, and the urgent necessity of employment.
Trusting to the kind consideration of this communication, at your hands,
I am General,
With Respect
Your obedient
Servant
Wm. J Dews
