The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1865-11-24
We publish the following circular, as it

We publish the following circular, as it
contains information OF considerable inte-
rest at the present tinie:
HEADo'Rs ACT. ASST Con-. BUREAU
REFUGEES, FREEDMEN AND ABAN. LANDS,
DISTRICT WESTERN SOUTH CAROLINA
COLUMBIA, S. c., November %, 1865.
Circular.
In order to avoid the evils that must nc
cessarlly follow q failure on the part of en-
ployers and freedmen to enter into con-
tracts for the ensuing year, it has been
determined to require that contracts be
mado Immediately. The accompanying
form has been adopted, and wifi be OBJ
served.
1t is hoped that the stipulation in this
form providing for the continuance of these
contracts after the restoration of civil
authority, under such rules and regula-
tions as may be adopted by the Legislature
OF this State. will prove satisfactory to all
parties. 1t is recommended that, as far as
practicable, in order not to break up their
homes for the present. freedmen to be en-
ployed by and make contracts with their
former masters, and that care be taken to
provide for the maintenance ofthe helpless
and infirm. This end will be most easily
secured by paying the freedmen for their
medical attendance, and such additional
wages In money as may be agreed upon.
Commanding officers OF Sub-Districts will
designate an officer at each court house in
the Sub-Distrlct to act as agent for the
Freedmen's Bureau, and to take charge Of
the making of contracts. This officer asso-
ciated with two citizens Of the Military Dis
trlct, (maglstrates, if they can be Obtained
will constitute a board under the provi-
sions OF Circular No. 5, from Headquarters
OF the Bureau. In cases where the en-
ployer and freedmen cannot agree upon
the terms OF the contract, this board, after
q careful examination Of all the facts, will
h1 the terms. The two citizens (members
OF the board) shall be paid three dollars
per day for the time actually engaged in
the discharge of their duty-the account to
be certified to by the officer associated
with them and approved by the Sub-Dis-
trict Commander.
these proceedings, fee OF fifty cents shall
be charged and collected for each freed
man 80 employed; in cases where ten or a
less number arc employed, if moro than
ten, twenty-five cents, will be collected for
each additional freedman so employed
These fees will be collected by the officer
IN charge, and accounted for to the Sub
Assistant Commissioner No disburse-
ments by him will be allowed, except the
per diem Of the associate members of the
board, upon approved accounts. A weekly
report will be made by him to the Sub
Assistant Commissioner, which will be ac-
companisd by correct copy Of all con-
tracts entered into.
Sub-Asslstant Commissioners will report
weekly to these headquarters, the number
Of contracts made. the number Of freed
men contracted with, and every other
matter Of Importance or interest connect
ed with this business.
They will also, to the full extent Of their
power, enforce the faithful performance of
the conditions of these contracts. The
interests Of freedmen will be carefully
guarded, and their rights in every respect
protected, but, at the same time, they
ment, and, if idle or vicious, must be
punished.
No effort should be spared to correct the
erroneous impression that prevails among
freedmen, in regard to division of land;
that it is not necessary for them to make
leave their present homes, and go in great
numbers to any other part of the country.
RALPH ELY,
Brevet Brig. Genl. Acting Asst. Com'r.
COLUMBIA, S. c., Nov. 70, 1865.
To Breret Brigddie,'- General Ralph Ely,
Acfg. Asst. Comr. B. r., F. and 4. l..
SIR : BY authority of the Assistant Com
sumo charge of the affairs of the Bureau
Of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned
Lands, f>r the District of Western South
Carolina, with Headquarters at Columbia,
South Carolina.
Subordinate Assistant Commissioners
within this District will be subject to such
general regulations as you may publish in
accordance with orders from the Assistant
Commissioner for South Carolina and
Georgia. I am, General, very respectfully,
your obcdient servant,
c. H. HOWARD.
Drevet brig. Gen, Insp'r. Gen,
And Chief of Staff
INTERESTING AND IMPORTANT Casa
case was mentioned in the Court of Con-
citation, on Tuesday, which is likely to
attract mucl attentinn ff.act tinn larca