The Louisiana Democrat., 1867-12-25
Important Order.

AuuAV VAu0As
HEADQUARTERS BUREAU OF REFU-
GEES, FREEDMEN
and Abandoned Lands, District Of Lou
isiana.
No l9l Julia street. New Orleans,
La, Dec. 9, 1867. s.-
Circular No.l8.]
The following instructions, relative to
the duties and powers Of agents Of the bu-
reau in this State, are promulgated for the
information and Guidance Of all concerned.
l. All cases of difficulty or disagree
ment between whites and freedmen, or be-
tween the freedmen themselves, will be
referred, in the first instance, to the civil
courts for adjudication.
1t is the duty Of the bdredu agents, in all
minor cases Of complaint where freedmen
are concerned, to effect, if possible, an
amicable and satisfactory settlement be.
tween the parties, without referring the
same to the civil authorities; but in those
cases involving legal questions and which
from their nature are properly cognizable
before civil tribunals, bureau agents are not
empowered to make FINAL disposition ofthe
same, nor interfere in any way whatever
with the action Of the civil authorities in
such cases. It's their dutyto advise freed
men, when necessary, in bringing suits be-
fore the civil courts; and sl1onld the exigen-
cies Of the case demand it, they will appear
as the freedmen's friend, OF attorney.
In all cases whete planters or other en-
ployers, refuse or neglect to pay wages due
freedmen, the bureau agents will if neces-
sary, make proper application to the civil
authorities for the protection OF the labor
ers in their just rights as provided by law.
II necessary to insure payment to the
laborers, according to the terms Of contract
with employers, the agent will call upon the
civil authorities to make such seizures Of
crops and property as may be requisite to
secure the freedmen their just dues.
| In no case will the bureau agent proceed
| to mako such seizures, unless the civil au.
thorities fail or refuse to give that protec-
ton to lahorers which is authorized by ex.
isting laws, emitting them to lien on the
crops and movable property for labor per-
formed.
The evidence that the civil courts have
failed or refused to take action must be
clear and positive. The bureau agent will
then seize and hold sufficient portion OF
the crop or property to cover the amount
/ Justly due the freedmen, reporting immedi-
ately to these headquarters the action taken
by him, together with all other information
necessary for full understanding of the
case.
The officers and agents Of the freedmen 8
bureau will, in all respects, conform their
actions to the provisions Of the "eivil rights
bill, which secures to citizens, Of every
race and color, the right to make and en-.
force contracts, to sue, be parties, and give
evidence, to inherit, purchase, lease sell,
hold and convey real and personal property
and the full and equal benefit ofall laws
and proceedings for the security of person
and property; and which subjects colored
citizens to like punishment, pains and pen
alties as white citizens and to none other,
any law, statute, ordinance regulation, or
custum to the contrary Notwithstanding;
and which further makes it their special
duty, at the expense Of the United States,
to institute proceedings against all and
eyery person who shall violate the provis-
ions OF the act, and to cause him, or them,
to be arrested and imprisoned or bailed, as
the case may be, for trial before such
court Of the United States, as BY the net,
has cognizance Of the same.
IL. Where outrages are perpetrated on
freedmen, and the civil authorities fail, or
refuse, on proper application by the bureau
agent, to take action to secure the arrest
and trial OF the party, CT parties SO offend.
ing, it will then be the duty ofthe agent to
cali upon the nearest commander for q
sufficient force to arrest the party, or par
ties committing the outrage, but this course
/ will not be taken unless the civil authori-
4 ties have failed. or have refused to perform
Their duty as the law directs.
Evidence of such failure, or refusal will
be forwarded to these headquarters, TO-
gether with full and comprehensive re-
port fall the circumstances attending the
case. 5!ls % X so 80
/ By order of Lieutenant Colonel w; 81
| Wood, lst q. s. infantry.
/ Assistant Commissioner.
j. NJ. LEE.
First Lieutenant 39th o. s. Infantry,
Acting Assistant Adjutant General,