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

Written Accounts

1866-07-20, New York Times; fascinating account of the execution of a former USCT soldier for murder. Execution took place inside Libby Prison. Rope snapped the first time, requiring a second attempt. Notes that the man had been a soldier
1866-09-13, notes on cemetery interments from Cholera at Shockoe and “Mechanics” (colored) Cemeteries, notes that the Freedmen’s Bureau uses Mechanics Cemetery for burials of “deceased negroes” (Chimborazo)
1866-10, Debow's Review; "Camp Lee and the Freedman's Bureau;" mostly a racist diatribe, gives a few details into the camp's operation. By George Fitzhugh
1866-12-11, Richmond Dispatch; Freedmen’s school and orphan asylym removed from Camp Lee to “the laboratory near Hollywood.”
1866, Trowbridge, John T., The South...; account of the author's travels to Richmond and the adjoining battlefields. Good material on Belle Isle, Brown's Island, Libby Prison, battlefields near the city, Camp Lee
1867-08-28, Richmond Dispatch; statistics of rations issued by the Freedmen’s Bureau for the month of July – many more issued to whites
1868-05-16, Alexandria Gazette; Lt. H. S. Merrill of the Freedmen’s Bureau acquitted of charges by U. S. Circuit Court – deemed a conspiracy
1868-05-16, Alexandria Gazette; two buildings burn down at Chimborazo. Notes that it is still occupied by negroes.
1868-08-07, Richmond Dispatch; letter of “Citizen” describing cruel treatment of negroes by Freedmen’s Bureau and U. S. soldiers – Chimborazo denizens made to wear barrel shirts and beatings. Argues forcefully against emancipation, and describes slaveowne
1869-05-22, official notice of the Decoration Day festivities at Richmond National Cemetery. Coaches running from the “eastern terminus of the city railway.” Col. H. S. Merrill of the Freedmen’s Bureau is on the Committee of Arrangements.

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