Freedmen's Bureau Records: W. Storer How to Orlando
Brown, February 3, 1866
Summary:
How's letter endorses Frederick Tukey's decision in the E.P. Walton case
(although said decision is not disclosed in this letter). He also asserts that
he needs a detachment of at least 30 men stationed in Staunton for that area of
the sub-district to be able to function properly.
Col. O. Brown A.C.
Richmond, Va.
Feby 3d 1866
Colonel
I have the honor to forward herewith monthly reports of Bureau affairs as made by the several Asst. Supts. and I would respectfully ask your attention to the sufficiently explicit suggestions of Mr. F. S. Tukey Asst. Supt. Sub. dist. "B" in the case of E. P. Walton and I endorse the proposed action since there is no force locally available for his arrest, and no military prison in that sub. dist. in which he could be confined for his contempt of authority, and until he should comply with the decision of the Board of Agents.
It will be seen that no serious disturbances have taken place during the absence
of military force and it must also be evident that no apparent jurisdiction can
be exercised by the officers and agents of this Bureau when unsupported by the
presence and use of U.S. Forces. I have therefore again to request that a
detachment of troops numbering (30) thirty or more may be sent to Staunton with
a commissioned officer who may be empowered to station ten (10) of them at
Lexington, and to send small squads when requested through Augusta, Highland,
Bath, Alleghany and Rockbridge Counties. The other portions of the district will
soon contain
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a force including Cavalry which will suffice for the
maintenance of Bureau Power at the most important points and with the officers
on duty and the Agents at their posts, will enable me to carry out instructions
and protect the Freedmen in all their conceded rights.
I am &c
W Storer How
Capt &c
