Freedmen's Bureau Records: Frederick S. Tukey to
Orlando Brown, February 28, 1867
Summary:
Tukey's report discusses wage levels for freedmen, labor disputes, and efforts to
aid the sick and destitute among the population through clothing donations and
the possible employment of a physician.
Bureau of R.
F. & A.
Lands
Sub-Dist. Augusta &
Highland
Brt.
Brig.
Gen'l
O. Brown
A.A.A.G.
B. R. F.
& A. L.
Dept. Potomac
Richmond Va.
Through Hd. Qrs.
Feb. 28th 1867
Staunton Va.
Gen'l
I have the honor to submit in compliance with Circular No. 6 C.S. 1866 the following Report of Bureau Affairs in this Sub. Dist. for the Month of Feb. 1867.
The Freedmen are generally at work, at an average rate of wages of ($10) ten
dollars per month and board for males and ($5) five dollars and board for
Females. There are but comparatively a few cases of extreme destitution among
them. them, and these are generally confined to the Aged, Sick and Crippled, and
those who have very large families of small children. About fifty person have
been assisted, by the gratuituous distribution of Clothing, during the month
sent here by the Pa.
F. Union Com.
[page 2]
There is a general complaint among them that they cannot collect
their wages when due which of course is a great disadvantage to them, and the
only assistance which can be rendered them by the Bureau
Agt.
is to draw off their Bills, and put them in the hands of an Officer for
collection. And this often results in judgement being defered from one Court to another until their patience becomes
exhausted, and perhaps their families suffer for bread.
There is considerable suffering among the Sick, for want of proper medical attendance, and I would earnestly recommend the employment (by the Bureau) of one of the local Physicians, to attend to such as are unable, on account of extreme destitution, to pay a Physician. Am of the opinion that one could be employed at a salary of ($25) twenty-five dollars per month, who would attend to all such cases, and to this point I would respectfully invite your special attention.
I am Gen'l with much Respect
Your Obt.
Servt.
F. S. Tukey, A. Supt.
