Select Images from Freedmen's Bureau Records
The Bureau confronted the basic and urgent needs of freedpeople, as shown by these sample documents, all cited below by microfilm series.
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114104125im_/http://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/freedmens-bureau/images/10-mobs-report-kentucky-s.jpg)
Mobs and Outrages
Report to Brig. Gen. John Ely on Outrages Committed by "Regulators" on Freedmen in Kentucky, 1867
"Butcher (freeman) . . . was assaulted, threatened, and driven from his home, for giving information to the agents of the Bureau, . . . Ceasar Crowddus (Freedman) was severely whipped for refusing to give information to the mob."
Kentucky, Office of the Assistant Commissioner, Inspection Reports Received Concerning Freedmen Conditions and the Operations of the Bureau in Kentucky.
M1904, roll 48
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114104125im_/http://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/freedmens-bureau/images/2-hawkins-wilson-s.jpg)
Family
Hawkins Wilson to "Chief of the Freedmen's Bureau, at Richmond," VA, May 11, 1867
"I am anxious to learn about my sisters, from whom I have been separated many years__I have never heard from them since I left Virginia twenty four years ago__I am in hopes that they are still living and I am anxious to hear how they are getting on__"
Virginia, Bowling Green, Caroline County, Letters Received
M1913, roll 58
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114104125im_/http://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/freedmens-bureau/images/3-contract-bledsoe-s.jpg)
Labor Contract
Labor Contract Between Abraham Bledsoe and Henry Bledsoe (freedman), commencing January 19, 1866
"I am to furnish . . . quarters, fuel, substantial and healthy rations, and the amount set opposite His name, per month."
Kentucky, Office of the Assistant Commissioner, Other Records, Labor Contracts, 1866
M1904, roll 64
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114104125im_/http://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/freedmens-bureau/images/7-marriage-harris-s.jpg)
Marriage Certificate
Marriage Certificate of Thomas Harris and Jane Harris (Shute) Issued April 28, 1866
"I have this day united Thomas Harris and Jane Harris (Shute), colored, in the bonds of matrimony, they having been living together as man and wife for about Fifteen years past, and have had, as the result, the following children, viz:"
Tennessee, Lebanon, Wilson County, sent to Freedmen's Bureau Headquarters,
Washington, DC
M1875, roll 4
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114104125im_/http://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/freedmens-bureau/images/4b-school-report-ark-s.jpg)
Education
Teacher's Monthly Report, Little Rock, Arkansas, March 24, 1865
"Number enrolled: 65 males, 96 females, 161 total . . . Number who pay full tuition fees, 17 males, 36 females, 53 total."
- Arkansas, Little Rock Superintendent of Freedmen, Narrative School Reports from Teachers
M1901, roll 16
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114104125im_/http://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/freedmens-bureau/images/6-voting-circ-va-roll-97-s.jpg)
Bureau Administration
Freedmen's Right to Vote, May 1, 1867
". . . measures will be taken as will inform all Freedmen entitled to be registered, of the necessity for, and the time and place of registration, and the time and place of voting."
Virginia, Jerusalem (Southampton County), Letters and Orders Received
M1913, roll 97