Freedmen's Bureau Records: Frederick S. Tukey to
John A. McDonnell, January 25, 1867
Summary:
Tukey writes about the failure of blacks to get labor disputes settled, as well
as the attitude of the local white population, which he views as very negative
towards the freedmen, except in regard to education.
Bureau of R.
F. & A.
Lands
Sub-Dist. Augusta &
Highland Cos.
Capt. John A. McDonnell
Supt.
9th
Dist.
Dept. Potomac
Winchester Va.
Jany 25th 1867
Staunton Va.
Capt.
I have the honor to submit the following report of Bureau affairs for the Month of Jany 1867.
About fifty complaints have been made at this Office during the present month by
Freedmen, the most of which have been claims against Citizens for labor. some of
which have been settled by
Warrent
Trials before Magistrates with but little satisfaction
or justice to the Negro. Some by Refferees and some
are still pending settlement. The White Citizen seem to think that the Black Man
has no right to complain of his wrongs, no matter how grievous they may be he
must bear them all in silence, and if he ventures
[page 2]
to make them known
it is a heinous offence for which he must be brutally
knocked down and beaten with the first thing that can be gotten hold of.
This is the rule. I am glad to say that there are honorable exceptions to it, and am inclined to the opinion that the old prejudices are slowly wearing away. This is manifest more particularly in their general demeanor toward the Colored Schools, and Teachers than in any other way, for both (I think) are treated with more respect than they were one year ago.
I am Capt. with [added: much] Respect
Your Obt.
Servt.
Frederick S. Tukey
Asst.
Supt.
B.R.F.
& A.L.
