Family

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, May 30, 1867

  Jackson tries to locate the parents of 16-year-old ex-slave Alice Moore, Roderick Moore and Sally Moore

• Thomas P. Jackson to Joseph Milstead, June 4, 1867

  Jackson writes Milstead to report that "Peyton Harris complains of bad treatment of his child by your wife," and Jackson threatens Milstead if such treatment continues.

• C. S. Compton to Unknown, June 18, 1867

  Compton forwards information about the whereabouts of Roderick Ham and Sally Bess to help locate separated ex-slave family members.

• Thomas P. Jackson to Unknown, July 10, 1867

  Jackson writes to investigate the legal legitimacy of Marian Hall's daughter continuing to be bound out to S. C. Slaven.

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, July 10, 1867

  Jackson forwards information to headquarters regarding the case of Marian Hall, a freedman trying to regain custody of his daughter who was taken from him while a slave.

• C. R. McDonnald[?] to J. W. Sharp, July 22, 1867

  McDonnald reports that he can find no documentation of a legitimate court decision to "bind Mary Gordon to Stewart C Slaven."

• A. Coats to Unknown, July 23, 1867

  Coats reports that he was unable to find any of the people in New Berne N.C. that Jackson had been trying to locate.

• J. W. Sharp to R. S. Lacey, July 25, 1867

  Sharp reports that he "could find no record in the clerks office in regard to the binding of Mary Gordon by the Court to S.C. Slavin."

• Thomas P. Jackson to Marian Hall, August 7, 1867

  Jackson writes to Hall to tell him that his daughter "Mary Elizabeth was not there bound to Stuart C Slaven" and that he could reclaim her.

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, August 28, 1867

  Jackson forwards the request of David Collins, a freedman, who wants to find "his wife Hannah Collins."

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, August 31, 1867

  McDonnell responds to Jackson, telling him that "Hanna Collins is now here living with George W. Grey col'd, as his wife."

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, September 9, 1867

  Jackson writes to find out what Daniel Collins should do in "in relation to his wife Hannah Collins" reported "as living with George W. Grey at Winchester."

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, September 11, 1867

  McDonnel writes Jackson to inform him that "the only way in which Collins can obtain a legal separation from his wife is to sue for a divorce."

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, November 29, 1867

  Jackson passes along a message from the freedman James Harris to Harris's wife.

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, December 5, 1867

  Jackson tries to find a man named "Uncle Fleming," who knows about the white man named Quarles who bought "three of the children of Nancy Thornton."

• B. C. Cook to Paul R. Hambrick, December 17, 1867

  Cook writes to Hambrick that "John M. Coyle (not Quarles) enquired for resides in Charlestown Jefferson Co., W. Va.."

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, December 26, 1867

  Jackson reports about "Betsey Brown (col'd) sold from this county some 20 years ago" who "has reached Staunton from Mississippi with three children," and needed help to finish her journey.

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, December 28, 1867

  Jackson makes inquiry about the whereabouts of the freedman, James Harris, whose wife is looking for him.

• Andrew Mahoney to R. S. Lacey, January 9, 1868

  Mahoney writes to Lacey, informing him that "Joe Harris Col'd does not reside at Danville and that no such person is to be found here."

• Andrew Mahoney to R. S. Lacey, January 17, 1868

  Mahoney writes to report "that James Harris is residing at Jenning's Ordinary about 40 miles from Richmond" and relates that "I am informed that Harris has two other wifes."

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, January 21, 1868

  Jackson makes an inquiry about "Cynis Bannister (col'd) who left his wife (Angeline Bannister) and family at Staunton in 1864."

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, January 24, 1868

  Jackson writes a brief note about Betsey Brown and her children.

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, January 30, 1868

  Jackson reports that "Gabriel Brown lives at Stevenson's Depot near Winchester."

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, January 31, 1868

  McDonnell briefly relates information about Gabriel Brown.

• S. E. Colburn to F. N. Clark, February 29, 1868

  Colburn relates his visit to Cynis Bannister's place, where he "endeavored to impress upon him the importance of caring for his children."

Education

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, October 9, 1867

  McDonnell announces that $100 has been authorized to be spent on a school in Staunton.

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, October 9, 1867

  McDonnell reports that $100 has been approved to purchase desks for the Staunton schoolhouse.

• Crammond Kennedy to Thomas P. Jackson, October 18, 1867

  Kennedy writes that an "educated woman of color" has been appointed to teach in Staunton.

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, March 19, 1868

  McDonnell announces that $40 has been authorized for the repair of a schoolhouse in Laurel Hill.

• John Crawford et. al. to Trustee Appointments, June 1, 1868

  Six men announce that they will assume the positions of trustees at the Waynesboro School House.

• R.W. Manly to Roswell Waldo, October 28, 1868

  School superintendent R.M. Manly discusses the money appropriated for a church/school in Waynesboro.

• John A. McDonnell to Roswell Waldo, November 19, 1868

  McDonnell discusses the terms by which a teacher will be hired in Waynesboro.

Contracts

• James Cook to Thomas P. Jackson, No Date

  Cook argues that Alper Stribling, a freedman Cook had hired, left his place and did not finish working, and so Cook believes he does not have any obligation to Stribling anymore.

• Contract: Joseph Miller and John Brent, January 1866

  Contract between Joseph Miller and John Brent for the period between January 1, 1866 and October 1866.

• Sarah A. Craig to Thomas P. Jackson, June 1, 1866

  Craig relates information about Ellen Taylor's wages and some agricultural matters.

• Contract: D. Kunkle and Reuben Goldin, January 1, 1867

  Contract between D. Kunkle and Reuben Goldin for the year 1867.

• Thomas P. Jackson to Samuel Kennerly, April 22, 1867

  Jackson forwards a contract completed between Samuel Parent and William Saulsbury.

• Contract: Abraham Watkins and William J. McKee, March 26, 1867

  Contract which stated that McKee "and his two boys will be regular hands on the farm of said McKee, and subject to his directions at all times," for the year 1867.

• Contract: J. H. Hoffman and Jordan Grandson, April 20, 1867

  Hoffman writes out a contract stating that he has hired Grandson's nephew, Dick, for the coming year.

• Contract: Samuel Parent and William Saulsbury, April 22, 1867

  Witnesses to Parent and Saulsbury's contract defer to the decisions of A. J. Thompson in the case.

• Annie E. Branham to Thomas P. Jackson, July 9, 1867

  Branham writes to tell Jackson that she owes the freedman "Joshua $24.90 balance on services rendered" and that Joshua owes her "$20 for children's board and $3 for Table ware broken by self & children."

• Annie E. Branham to Thomas P. Jackson, July 10, 1867

  Branham writes that she will not settle with the freedman Joshua until her accounts are "examined to see that they are correct."

• J. D. Lilly to Thomas P. Jackson, August 3, 1867

  Lilly forwards the Bureau office "a copy of the article of agreement between Mr. Wm. J. McKee & Abraham Watkins."

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, August 4, 1867

  Jackson forwards a "copy (evidently imperfect) of indenture Punch Fox to John H. Rippitoe."

• Richard Banks to A. J. Thompson, August 4, 1867

  Freedman Banks writes to Thompson about Trice Miles, who "won't pay me any thing."

• John N. Opie to Thomas P. Jackson, September 8, 1867

  Opie writes to Jackson claiming that several freedmen who did some work for him "are not entitled to their pay" because they did not finish the job.

• Thomas P. Jackson to James W. Gibson, November 25, 1867

  Jackson tells Gibson that he cannot refuse to pay Adam Green his wages or "threaten to dispossess him."

• Contract: Nelson Walker to Samuel A. Hoshour, January 5, 1868

  Contract between Nelson Walker and Samuel Hoshour for 1868.

• Thomas P. Jackson to William Woods, January 6, 1868

  Jackson writes Woods about fulfilling a contract.

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, January 11, 1868

  Jackson details a dispute over a contract between John Brent and Henry Miller.

• J. A. Hefelfinger to Thomas P. Jackson, February 2, 1868

  Hefelfinger argues to Jackson that the "boy Jesse" ran away from him, "thus breaking his contract & depriving himself of all claim on me."

• Contract: John Bumgardner to J. D. Summers, March 24, 1868

  Bumgardner and Summers enter into a contract over the rental of a farm.

• J. Garrett to John W. Jordan, May 8, 1868

  Garrett forwards information about the payment of wages to certain laborers.

• Samuel A. Hoshour to Roswell Waldo, October 5, 1868

  Hoshour reports that "Nelson Walker (colored) was discharged from the service of this asylum [Western Lunatic Asylum] for repeatedly violating an important regulation of this institution."

Labor Issues

• S. C. Claven to the Bureau, January 22, 1867

  Claven writes about "the Col'd girl in my possession," Mary Gordon, claiming the right to keep her in his possession.

• C. Clay to Unknown, April 9, 1867

  Clay writes to see if he can find "a dozen or two hands" for "choppin" wood at a set price.

• J. E. Johnson to Tukey, August 1, 1867

  Johnson writes to see if Tukey knows where he could find "a girl as Childs' nurse."

Religion

• John Crawford et. al. to Thomas P. Jackson, March 2, 1868

  Crawford and Brock announce that their committee will be ready to begin building a church when they have lumber.

• John W. Jordan to Ross C. Eakle, May 16, 1868

  The Bureau requests the use of a white church for freedmen.

Legal Action

• G. W. McCutchan to Thomas P. Jackson, May 10, 1867

  McCutchan reponds to Jackson's request for information "in regard to Henry Alexander['s] claim against [the] Estate of John P. M. McCutchen."

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, July 11, 1867

  Jackson forwards to headquarters Alexander Anderson's "claim made by him against the United States for property seized by and furnished to U.S. troops."

• Mrs. James Harden to A. J. Thompson, August 4, 1867

  Harden writes Thompson to ask for help in evicting a freedwoman on his property who was "quarrelsome and disagreeable with the other negroes."

• Thomas P. Jackson to J. T. H. Hall, September 2, 1867

  Jackson forwards a letter from John McDonnell trying to halt the sale of some property until the case could be addressed by the Bureau.

• Thomas P. Jackson to J. T. H. Hall, September 2, 1867

  Jackson write about his and John McDonnell's "request (with accompanying papers) on behalf of John Gum" to prevent the sale of some property before the Bureau could address the case.

• James Wilson to Thomas P. Jackson, September 25, 1867

  Wilson writes Jackson about Frank Harris's suit "Newton Wilson for an assult on him."

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, September 30, 1867

  Jackson forwards to McDonnell "a claim of Joshua Harris (col'd) against Mr. Jaccheri" for the "amount $18.75."

• Thomas P. Jackson to J. L. H. Hall, December 10, 1867

  Jackson reports that Alexander Curry has been indicted "for theft of a horse from Mrs Sarah Bird."

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, December 17, 1867

  Jackson discusses a legal case concerning "a claim of $130 said to be due to the children of Henry Alexander."

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, February 19, 1868

  Jackson reports that a freedman named Hiam Thompson "states that a General Long an officer in the rebel army has in his possesion . . . a Bay horse . . . which is the property of said Hiam Thompson and was stolen from his stable during the war."

• John K. Kaiser to Thomas P. Jackson, February 20, 1868

  Kaiser demands that Jackson force some freedmen off his property.

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, March 6, 1868

  Jackson forwards papers to McDonnell "in reference to claim of Henry Alexander's heirs col'd against estate of J. McPhetus McCutchen."

Violence

• Jon Kline to Thomas P. Jackson, July 15, 1867

  Kline threatens to sue Jackson if he does not remove the freedman John Bell from Kline's property because Bell was "abusing me[,] my family and little children."

• F.M. Bird to Thomas P. Jackson, October 28, 1867

  Bird reports that he was attacked "by Some Rebels who threw Rocks at us and pursued us," and asks for protection from the Bureau.

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, November 1, 1867

  McDonnell asks for a list of all those freedmen who were fired for not voting as their employers wished.

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, November 9, 1867

  Jackson reports "three cases of assault upon colored persons" to McDonnell.

• Thomas P. Jackson to James Bumgardner, November 9, 1867

  Jackson reports that a freedman named Abraham Wallace complained to him of a white man who "discharged a loaded pistol three times & exploded a cap the fourth time at his wife Evelyn Wallace."

• I.S. Clark to John W. Jordan, May 11, 1868

  Clark denies that he has abusively treated "Algernon Haleman a cold. boy bound to me."

• Nancy Burns Deposition, June 5, 1868

  The Deposition of Nancy Burns where Burns relates that Peggy Soyers attacked her and yelled "I will run you through and through you old whoring bitch."

Relief/Financial Aid

• Feby Leach to Thomas P. Jackson, June 15, 186x

  A Waynesboro resident pleads for food assistance.

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, April 18, 1867

  McDonnell requests a report on how many white people in his district need food to prevent starvation.

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, October 14, 1867

  McDonnell gives Jackson permission to issue clothing to destitute freedmen.

• S. P. Lei to Thomas P. Jackson, January 25, 1868

  Lei sends Jackson a supply of women's clothing.

• John A. McDonnell to O. Brown, January 27, 1868

  Since Betsey Brown cannot afford to travel to Staunton, McDonnell "respectfully recommend[s] that transpor-tation be provided for" her and her "three children."

• O. Brown to John A. McDonnell, January 29, 1868

  Brown writes to McDonnell to report that "the Civil Authori-ties should furnish the necessary transpor-tation, in this case."

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, July 3, 1868

  McDonnell requests that Jackson report "on your application to them for transportation for Betsy Brown."

Bureau Administration

• Samuel Kennedy, Jr. to Thomas P. Jackson, April 29, 1867

  Kennedy attempts to disuade Jackson from involving himself in an unnamed matter.

• Thomas P. Jackson to John A. McDonnell, May 3, 1867

  Jackson renews his request for a new horse, as his old one is blind, and reports that "much complaint has been made of injustice to refugees & Freedmen."

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, May 9, 1867

  McDonnell requests that Jackson send him a list of rations and clothing needed in his district.

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, May 23, 1867

  McDonnell informs Jackson that the "registers which you advised this office were forwarded" have not yet arrived at McDonnell's office.

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, June 6, 1867

  McDonnell asks Jackson to clarify his report on the rations distributed in his district.

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, June 24, 1867

  McDonnell informs Jackson "that accounts for storages for animals in use by the officers of the Bureau on Registration duty must be included in their accounts of actual travelling expenses."

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, July 27, 1867

  McDonnell tells Jackson that he will not authorize the "gratuitous" issue of clothing.

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, August 17, 1867

  McDonnell forwards stationary to Jackson.

• Unknown to Thomas P. Jackson, August 19, 1867

  This letter's author explains the bureau's policy on providing medicine to indigent freedmen.

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, September 19, 1867

  McDonnell writes to ask Jackson about the situation in Staunton, "the general condition of the freemen," "the condition of the schools for freedmen," and other conditions in the county.

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, November 12, 1867

  McDonnell advises Jackson on proper procedures.

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, December 2, 1867

  McDonnell asks Jackson to report on the conditions in Staunton, the state of the freedmen schools, and the general situation in the county.

• John A. McDonnell to Thomas P. Jackson, March 10, 1868

  McDonnell asks Jackson to report on the situtation in Staunton, particularly the condition of the local freedmen.

Miscellaneous

• P. F. Earman to W. J. Jackson, August 20, 1867

  Earman complains to Jackson about the prevalence of horse thieves in Augusta.

• D.D. Durboraus to Thomas P. Jackson, August 22, 1867

  Durboraus writes concerning a meeting about a lot.

• D.D. Durboraus to Thomas P. Jackson, August 26, 1867

  Durboraus discusses the purchase of a lot.

• Thomas P. Jackson to J. T. H. Hall, August 28, 1867

  Hall informs Jackson about some debt issues he is having.