letters

Administration of Thomas P. Jackson (June 1867-July 1867)

Jackson reports that local whites have become more comfortable and tolerant of the new rights of the freedmen, in part because the great demand for labor means they need to treat the freedmen well. Active in cases where freedmen are involved, Jackson reports that the courts give African Americans fair and impartial trials. In all Jackson is optimistic, though he expects more trouble to crop up when winter comes. He deals with various legal matters and labor disputes, and continues to work with the local freedmen schools. Jackson also reports the beatings of local freedmen and forwards statements from people who claim to have aided Union soldiers during the war and want compensation. Many freedmen send letters to the Bureau asking for aid in finding family that had been sold away during slavery.