Freedmen's Bureau Records: Thomas P. Jackson to
Garrick Mallery, July 1, 1867
Summary:
Jackson's report on the condition of Bureau Affairs is optimistic due to the
prospect of good crops and the need for labor in Augusta County. He writes that
because of the demand for labor, whites are more likely to overlook the
participation of freedmen in "Radical" politics.
Bureau R. F. & A.
L.
Office 4 Divn
9 Sub Dist
Va
Capt Garrick Mallery 43d U.S. Inf.
AA
Adjt
Genl (Bureau R. F. & A.
L.)
Richmond Va (Through HdQrs 9th S. Dist.
Va)
July 1st 1867
Staunton Va.
Captain
In compliance with Cir. 6 S. 1866 (BRF &
AL) I have the honor to report as condition of Bureau affairs in this
Div. (comprizing
the counties of Augusta & Highland) that at the present time and in
prospect for some months to come the Freedmen in this district will be fully
employed at very remunerable wages. the bountiful crops of Wheat &c rendering farmers willing and able to pay
liberally while those of the Freedmen who have rented land on shares or for
money will realize a good return for their labor. In anticipation of this and in
view of the abundance and cheapness of vegetables and believing also that it is
the duty of the prosperous to aid the needy of their own race I have not made
any requisition fo Rations for issue in July believing that
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none will
suffer. I shall observe closely, and if I find any cases where want exists and
the full relief of which does not legitimately belong to the local authorities I
shall promptly report the same to the S.A. Comr of the District and request needed
supplies. This office is still sought by a large number of Freedmen who have
been [unclear: overreached] or cheated in settlements for labor
performed. As to these cases I repeat my former report that parties, as a rule,
are ready to comply with every requirement of the Bureau and make fair
settlements. The really important settlements will however as usual occur when
those working on shares have an accounting for supplies furnished to them during
the working of the crop and which [added: supplies]
are chargeable against the crop returns. I heard less of threats against
Freedmen in case they vote "Radical" as it is termed. I do not attribute this to
change of sentiment on the part of the citizens, but the labor of the Freedmen
is not absolutely necessary to the farmers and they think more of the
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present benefit of freedmen than the prospective danger of a Radical majority.
The meetings which have been held at several places in Augusta Co. have been attended by a respectable "outside"
sprinkling of whites and no interruption has anywhere occurred. The Freedmen are
moderate in their ideas but to a man insist upon such legislation as will secure
them present rights in the time
to come.
In Highland Co. the Freedmen are few and will not
take any steps towards organization or public assertion of their rights, and
from the character and expression of the citizens as seen & heard by my
at Court held at Monterey, they could gain nothing by any association. The
Freedmen left in that County are however generally well treated now as the
citizens find they leave at once if any undue pressure is bought to bear against
them. In both counties I have labored personally to instruct them in their
rights by meetings (public) in the evenings so as not to interfere with work on
the farms and
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I am encouraged to think that my endeavors have
benefitted both colored & White and that a better feeling between the
two classes is the result of the explanations made.
Respectfully submitted
Your obt
servt
Thos P. Jackson
Agent
