Freedmen's Bureau Records: Horace Neide to J. M.
Schofield, August 20, 1866
Summary:
Neide submits an inspection report of the 7th and 8th Districts. At this time,
Augusta County was a part of the 7th District, and such portions of Neide's
report are transcribed here. His remarks concern the ability of blacks to find
justice in the local courts, the registration of marriages, and the general
abilities of George Cook, the agent.
Bureau Refugees, Freedmen & A.
Lands
Head Quarters, Asst.
Commr
Bvt. Major
Gen'l. J. M. Schofield
Asst.
Commissioner
State of Va.
Aug. 20th 1866
Richmond
General
I have the honor to submit the following report, upon the General condition of Bureau affairs in the 7th and 8th Dists Department of Va. (as late constituted) made in conformity to Special Orders no. 121 C.S. Bureau R.F. and A.L. Headquarters Asst Comr Dept of Va. dated August 4th 1866.
. . .
. . .
Counties of Augusta, Highland
& Bath.
These counties constitute a sub
district under charge of Lieut.
G. T. Cook
V.R.C. as Asst. Supt.. The freedmen are
generally engaged at labor but do not appear to be in a prosperous or contented
position.
Lt. Cook makes grave
complaints against the local magistrates for their utter indifference and
inattention to the complaints of the freedmen, who come before them, especially
where such complaints are made against whites. Reports of outrages are frequent,
and almost invariably the freedmen are the sufferers, with but little if any
chance of redress. When the attention of the magistrates is specially called to a case, and it is at the same time intimated
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to them by Lieut. Cook that any refusal or delay on their part to act
promptly in the matter, will necessitate a reference of the matter to the Asst. Commissioner, they will act, but generally
their action amounts to nothing more than to bind both parties over to keep the
peace, the innocent with the guilty, the aggressor with the victim. Lieut. Cook does
however, report one instance in which the magistrates
protected an outraged freed-girl and bound some white citizens over to answer to
the grand-jury for a gross assault upon her. Justice to freedmen is however
here, the exception and not the rule.
Circular No. 7 Bureau RF & AL [added: Washington] DC. [unclear: I] inquired of Lt. Cook as to what inquiry the Freedmen were making in the matter of Lands in certain states offered to them by the provisions of the Act of Congress approved June 21st 1866 and in regard to which information has been [unclear: promulgated] in Circular No 7 Headquarters Commissioner Bureau R.F. and A.L. and in reply he informed me that he had not received the circular and knew nothing of its provisions.
Marriage register
The registry for the county of Augusta had been completed,
before the arrival of the blanks distributed for that purpose. I examined it and
found it complete with
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the exception that it did not furnish the
names of the former owners of either husband or wife. The Asst Superintendent was convinced that it would be
impossible even to get the Freedmen together again, for the purpose of
completing the record and in consequence, I directed him to copy his present
registry numerically upon the blanks, [unclear: trusting] to time and
opportunity to make it gradually more complete. The calling of these people
together for the purpose of registry has had an excellent and noticeable effect
upon them, especially in imbuing them with a greater respect for the marriage
relation that they have heretofore had.
Support of Destitutes
The county authorities of Augusta county have made
proper arrangements for the support of the poor, and expect and intend to
provide for all "freedmen paupers" who are properly thrown upon them. In
Highland and Bath counties similar provision has been made.
So far as Bath County is concerned, it has been but lately added to this sub district: and the officer in charge has as yet had no opportunity of examining into the condition of the freedmen therein. The slave population of the county in 1860, was but small, while in Higland County it was still less.
The official records of this office are in good condition, books are well kept, so far as furnished, and all orders, letters &c properly filed. Lieut. Cook appears to be a competent officer and successful in the discharge of his duties.
. . .
. . .
In this as in the 7th I found such of the officers as I said men of more than average ability and discretion.
Respectfully submitted,
H. Niede
Lt. Col. V.R.C. and Bvt. Brig. Genl
Vols.
Inspector General Division: State of Va.
