United States. Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands

The Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, usually referred to as simply the Freedmen's Bureau, was a U.S. federal government agency that aided distressed freedmen (freed slaves) in 1865–1869, during the Reconstruction era of the United States. The Freedmen's Bureau Bill, which created the Freedmen's Bureau, was initiated by President Abraham Lincoln and was intended to last for one year after the end of the Civil War. It was passed on March 3, 1865, by Congress to aid former slaves through legal food and housing, oversight, education, health care, and employment contracts with private landowners. It became a key agency during Reconstruction, assisting freed ex-slaves in the South. The Bureau was part of the United States Department of War. Headed by Union Army General Oliver O. Howard, the Bureau was operational from 1865 to 1871. It was disbanded under President Ulysses S. Grant.

From the guide to the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands labor contract MSS. 0230., 1865 June 16, (W.S. Hoole Special Collections Library, The University of Alabama)

The Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, often referred to as the Freedmen's Bureau, was a U.S. federal government agency established by the U.S. Department of War through the Freedmen's Bureau Bill on 3 March 1865. The Freedmen's Bureau became a key agency during Reconstruction assisting freedmen, ex-slaves, in the former Confederate states adjust to their conditions of freedom by providing food, housing, education, health care, and employment. This agency was operational from 1865 to 1872.

From the description of Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands records, 1865-1869. (Georgia Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 538952634

In 1865, the United States War Department created the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, also known as the Freedmans Bureau, in order to assist former slaves in relocating and establishing lives as free men and women. The Bureau remained active until 1868 when President Andrew Jackson ended the agency.

From the description of Indentures for William Arnold and Sally Allison, 1866. (Kentucky Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 191699439

From the description of Indentures for Frank and Mina Harris, 1866. (Kentucky Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 191699432

Sources:

Bethel, Elizabeth. "The Freedmen's Bureau of Alabama." Journal of Southern History XIV (February 1948): 49-92.

Cash, William M. "Alabama Republicans During Reconstruction: Personal Characteristics, Motivations, and Political Activity of Party Activists, 1867-1880." Ph.D. diss. University of Alabama, 1973.

DuBose, John W. Alabama's Tragic Decade: Ten Years of Alabama, 1865-1874. Birmingham, Ala.: Webb Book Co., 1940.

Fleming, Walter L. Civil War and Reconstruction in Alabama. Cleveland, Ohio: Arthur H. Clark Co., 1911.

Owen, Thomas M. History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1921; reprint, Spartanburg, S.C.: Reprint Co., 1978.

The Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands was established in the U.S. War Dept. by act of Congress on 1865 Mar. 3. The bureau was responsible for all matters relating to refugees, freedmen, and abandoned lands in the war-torn southern states. Brigadier General Wager T. Swayne was appointed assistant commissioner for Ala. in 1865 June and assumed the position the following month when he arrived in Montgomery. He appointed Charles A. Miller as his assistant adjutant general.

The bureau was divided into five departments: (1) abandoned and confiscated lands; (2) records, labor, schools, and supplies; (3) finance; (4) medical; and (5) bounties. Its duties were "to introduce practicable systems of compensated labor...; to provide for the destitute, aged, and sick, in co-operation with the northern aid societies,...; [to provide schools for the refugees and freedmen]; to protect loyal refugees and to assist them in returning to their homes; and to adjudicate [civil disputes involving freedmen]." [Bethel, pp. 50-51] Swayne worked with Governors Lewis E. Parsons and Robert M. Patton to achieve the bureau's objectives through institutions and programs that were already in place. He chose this method for two reasons: (1) cost effectiveness in regard to the personnel and facilities needed if separate systems were established, and (2) a recognition that the changes were more likely to stay in place after the withdrawal of the Army if they were more closely tied to civil government.

In 1867 March presidential reconstruction ended with the passage by Congress of the Reconstruction Acts. The South was divided into five military districts. General John Pope was placed in charge of the 3rd Military District that included Ala., Ga., and Fla. Swayne continued in command of the district of Ala.

One of Swayne's new duties under the Reconstruction Acts was to register eligible persons to vote and to see that information about registering and elections was diseminated among the freedmen. It was virtually impossible to prevent this activity from being politicized, and Swayne became deeply involved in recruitment for the Republican party. In 1868 Feb. the Bureau provided for an election of state officials and congressional representatives. These elected officials were not permitted to take office, however, until 1868 July when the state approved a new constitution and ratified the 14th Amendment. Governor Patton had been permitted to remain in the governor's seat even though he was only a figurehead under the Reconstruction Acts. On 1868 July Governor-elect William H. Smith was appointed to the governorship.

Pope and Swayne, accused of using their positions in the 3rd Military District to achieve political gains, were removed in 1867 Dec. Pope was replaced by General George G. Meade. Swayne was succeeded by Brevet-Brigadier General Julius Hayden. In 1868 Mar. Hayden was replaced by Brevet-Brigadier General O. L. Shepherd who was in turn replaced by Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Beecher in 1868 Aug. Beecher remained in charge of the bureau's activities until it was discontinued (with the exception of the education programs) in 1869.

From the description of Agency history record. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 145410074