Freedmen's Bureau Records: George T. Cook to R. S.
Lacey, November 30, 1866
Summary:
Cook observes, in his monthly report on Bureau Affairs, that the freedmen in
Augusta County have no faith in the Civil Courts to grant them justice when they
seek redress against their employers. Cook suggests bringing back the Freedmen's
Courts and enforcing them vigorously.
Bureau Refugees Freedmen and A.L.
Office
Asst.
Supt.
Sub-Dist.
No. 10. 7th
Dist
Dept
of the Potomac, Consisting of Augusta
and Highland
Captain R. S. Lacey
Supt 7th Dist
Va
Lynchburg Va
Nov 30th/66
Staunton Va.
Captain
I have the honor to submit the following Report of Bureau Affairs in this Sub-Dist for the month of November 1866
The condition of the Freedpeople is very unpromising I have had a large number of
complaints from them to the effect that their employers refuse to pay them, and
when they find that their only redress is through the Civil Courts they prefer
to let the debts go, as they have no confidence in being able to obtain redress
through that channel, and even when they try that method the Circuit Court is
much behind in its trials, and while waiting they might starve; besides they
would find it a very difficult thing to obtain work were it known that they had
instituted
[page 2]
suit
The only way I can see to stop this systematic imposition on the part of employers, is to re-establish "Freedmen's Court" and support it with suitable military power for a time; such a course vigorously persued for even one month would be very beneficial to the Freedpeople. It would convince the whites generally, as well as the Courts that they Freedpeople have rights which white men are to respect.
Most cases of refusal to settle with Freedpeople are flagrant attempts to defraud.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servant
Geo.T. Cook
1st Lt
V.R.C. & Asst.
Supt.
