letters

Administration of Frederick S. Tukey (January 1867-February 1867)

As soon as Frederick Tukey assumed his role in the Freedmen’s Bureau administration, his character comes into question. N.C. Brackett questions Tukey’s attitudes toward black schools, and Tukey’s own servant alleges the consumption of government rations in the Tukey household. As a result of these accusations, many locals respond with letters of support for the appointment of Tukey. On the administrative front, Tukey leases a building in Staunton for the Bureau. In regard to Freedmen, Tukey notes the negative attitudes of whites towards blacks, except in the case of education.