Freedmen's Bureau Records: Circular - Instructions
to Assistant Superintendents, December 14, 1865
Summary:
How circulates his instructions to his agents in the field regarding their duties
for the Bureau. The instructions urge vigilance and efficiency in the execution
of their responsibilities, and also communicates an optimistic and paternalistic
attitude toward free blacks.
Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands,
Head Quarters, Sixth
District, Virginia,
Dec 14th 1865
Winchester, Va.,
Circular
In order to secure the utmost efficiency in promoting the welfare of the Freedmen, and in executing the designs of this Bureau all its officers and agents are expected to be earnest and assiduous in their efforts to render all possible assistance and give good counsel to every freedman whither the limits of their several jurisdictions and spheres of duty. They are also desired to [unclear: receive] and report all facts which may come to their knowledge relating to the present character, condition, capacity and needs of the freedmen, and the disposition, requirements and treatment of them by those who employ them, and among whom they now live as neighbors.
Remember that they are no longer to be driven, but encouraged to labor, and where
the advantage of industry, skill, and
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knowledge are fairly set before
them, as essential to true manhood it is hoped that they [added: will] exercise their freedom and become useful members
of the community in which they live. Of course there are many dazed by the light
suddenly shining upon their darkened minds, and others who have imbibed
[unclear: vicious] tendencies, who can no more be expected to at
once enter upon a course of good conduct, than could a band of outlaws, suprised
by official pardon with the simple request of good behavior.
These are to be [unclear: warned] of the certain result of idleness and vice, and if need be, treated as other criminals.
The destitute helpless ones are to be sought out, by personal inspection so far as practicable, and if possible relieved. If the prescribed method is inapplicable, state the case, and recommend a way.
The recent organization of the Bureau
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renders it very probable, that
all contingencies are not provided for, hence every officer should be prompt and
careful in reporting every case not met by his instructions, and industrious in
collecting and transmitting facts which may in any degree add to the information
upon which instructions are based.
This circular is made suggestion for the purpose of stimulating each officer and agent to the exercise of industry and zeal in the work intrusted to him, a duty which should always be [unclear: in operation], and is now especially so in view of the near approach of the Christmas week in which many of the labor contracts terminate, and idleness generally prevails.
Instant attention will therefore be given to the subject of written contracts and their importance explained to and [unclear: urged] upon the employer and the employed, with the object of securing the interests of all parties.
W. Storer How
Capt. & AQM
Supt Sixth Dist.
Va.