Freedmen’s Bureau
Information about the Freedmen’s Bureau in Richmond, VA during the Civil War

Written Accounts

1865-12-30, The National Freedman; ldescription of poor conditions and education among the Freedmen at Chimborazo, and appeal for charity
1865-12, The National Freedman; statistical report of students in the Chimborazo schools for October, 1865 – 345 there now
1866-01-23, Richmond Examiner; Joseph Mayo, former Mayor of Richmond, has resumed law practice, office on Governor Street, adjacent to the Richmond House. He will practice “in all the courts of record, but not in the Mayor’s or Freedmen’s Court”
1866-02-02, The National Freedman; letter from Chimborazo describing conditions among the Freedmen and advocating for donations. 1500 people now there.
1866-02-10, Richmond Examiner; negro found dead on the bridge leading to Chimborazo Hospital (“now the Asylum for freed negroes”) on Marshall street – buried in the “new negro cemetery” established by the Freedman’s Bureau.
1866-02-23, Richmond Examiner; “a number of negro boys” attacked with stones by white youths on Capitol Square. Freedmen’s Bureaus stops it and arrests culprits
1866-02-24, Richmond Examiner; VIPs from the Freedmen’s Bureau, including Gen. O. O. Howard arrive at the Ballard House. Much speculation as to the purpose of the visit
1866-03-05, Richmond Dispatch; “rioting among the negroes” at Chimborazo – running gunfight between soldiers and rioters. “Ten or twelve” arrested and placed in Libby Prison.
1866-03-05, Richmond Examiner; “riot among the negroes” at Chimborazo – running gunfight between soldiers and rioters. One man shot. Ten (named) arrested and placed in Libby Prison. Fears that further violence will occur there
1866-03-09, Richmond Dispatch; detailed description of the “riot” and shooting affair at Chimborazo, eventually involving guards from Libby Prison

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