Freedmen's Bureau Records: W. Storer How to Orlando
Brown, February 3, 1866
Summary:
How's monthly report refers to a case in Augusta County of E. P. Walton,
described in detail in Tukey's report to How. How also refers to the problems
resulting from the lack of a sufficient military presence in the region and
requests a military detachment to be stationed in Staunton. Such a detachment
would then be capable of deploying to surrounding counties when necessary.
Bureau Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands
Head Quarters, Sixth District,
Virginia
Col. O. Brown, Assist Commissioner
Richmond Va
Feby 3d, 1866
Winchester, Va.
Colonel
I have the honor to forward herewith monthly reports of Bureau Affairs as made by the several Assistant Superintendents, and I would respectfully ask your attention to the sufficiently explicit suggestion of Mr. F.S. Tukey, Asstist Supt Sub Dist "B" in the case of E. P. Walton, and I endorse the proposed action since there is no force [unclear: easily] available for his arrest, and no Military prison in that Sub District in which he could be confined for his contempt of authority and until he should comply with the decision of the Board of Agents.
It would seem that no serious disturbances have taken place during the absence of
Military Power, and it must also be evident that no effective jurisdiction can
be exercised by the officers and agents of this Bureau when unsupported by the
presence and use of United States [unclear: forces]
[page 2]
I have therefore again to request that a detachment of troops, number
thirty (30) or more, may be sent to Staunton with a commissioned officer who may
be empowered to station ten (10) of them at Lexington and to send small squads,
when requested, anywhere through Augusta, Highland, Bath, Alleghany and
Rockbridge counties.
The other portions of the District will soon contain a force, including Cavalry, which will suffice for the maintenance of Bureau Power at the most important points, and with the officers on duty and the Agents at their posts will enable me to carry out instructions and protect the Freedmen in all their conceded rights.
I am Colonel
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
W. Storer How, Capt
AQM
Supt Sixth Dist
Va
