letters

Administration of W. Storer How (December 1865-February 1866)

Many of these letters address legal matters, and, most importantly, the creation of a board for trying free blacks in Staunton. Other legal matters mentioned are: claims for losses sustained during the war, the confiscation of firearms owned by blacks who hunt on the Sabbath, and a free black who sued her former owner. How comments on the “outrages” made by whites on freedmen and a riot that nearly occurred on Christmas. Because of these outbursts, How reemphasizes the necessity of Union troops in the district to maintain order. As in other letters, How reports on the medical care of ex-slaves, the status of black schools, supplies, and rations.