Freedmen's Bureau Records: W. Storer How to Orlando
Brown, December 11, 1865
Summary:
How submits a summary of conditions in the Sixth Sub-District, of which Augusta
County was a part at this time. Although he does not mention Augusta County,
directly, How discusses the problem of poor relief, and the need to have troops
stationed in each county, if the Bureau's work is to be effective.
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands,
Head Quarters, Sixth
District, Virginia,
Col. O. Brown, Assist Comr
Richmond, Va
Dec 11th 1865
Winchester, Va.,
Colonel
I have the honor to state that the condition of the Freedmen in this District is substantially the same as at my last report.
Bureau affairs have undergone some change, I having at last secured the presence of a company of Infantry at Harrisonburg which gives me effective jurisdiction in the large county of Rockingham. Lt. Tubbs at Lexington reports the withdrawal of troops from Botetourt Co and says that without them he can do nothing in that county. I am also led to believe that the troops are taken from Bath and Highland Counties in which case it would be simply useless to attempt the maintenance of agencies there.
In the counties last named there are but few freedmen and their relations to the
Whites generally [unclear: restrictive] and [unclear: obscure].
In Botetourt they are in larger numbers and need instruction and protection
[page 2]
and I again call attention to the fact that Botetourt County may be
best superintended from Lynchburg.
Overseers of the Poor are generally unable or unwilling to provide for pauper freedmen and in common with other local authorities appear to be awaiting some supposed action of the State Legislature which may, if in accordance with their wishes and expectations, enable them to exhibit their [unclear: patent] (state) law-abiding proclivities.
Partial issues of subsistence are thus rendered imperative, and fuel is now necessary to relieve and prevent great suffering among the poor freedmen in this cold mountainous region.
I have received from the Freedmen's Aid Association in Philadelphia a considerable quantity of clothing which I have been and am distributing among the poorest of the freedmen to their sensible relief, returning their heartfelt gratitude to the donors.
I am Colonel
Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant
W. Storer How, Capt & AQM
Supt Sixth Dist.
Va.
