Solon H. Lathrop wrote this letter to Orson H. Hart; they were both on the staff of Gen. E. O. C. Ord, who was an assistant commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau.  Lathrop was tasked with investigating conditions in southern Indiana just after the Civil War; here, he describes the town of Hanover, giving us an unusually clear picture of the College's African-American neighbors at that time.  (The U.S. censuses for 1860 and 1870 show how much the African-American population increased after the war.  There were 64 African Americans living in Hanover in 1860, and 232 by 1870.)

Head Qrs. Dept of the Ohio,
Inspt. General's Office
Detroit, Mich. September 20, 1865

Colonel:

I have the honor to report, that when in Madison, Ind. on the 15th, it was reported to me, by what I deemed good authority, that "at least (750) seven hundred and fifty Freedmen were scattered through the country," some six miles from the town, that they were living "in crowded houses, many without shelter, that they were sick, destitute, and in a deplorable condition." The representations were so strong, that I deemed it my duty to visit the neighborhood, and ascertain the facts.

I arrived at Hanover, a town of some three or four hundred inhabitants, the center of the neighborhood named on the 15th inst., and obtained such information as I could of the principal men in the village, and at once made up my mind that the reports were greatly exaggerated. I visited several of the buildings occupied by the colored people, and found them quite as comfortable, and not more crowded than buildings occupied by the foreign laboring people in any cities. All the men were at work at good wages, several of them getting two dollars a day. The women, if able to go out to work, could find good places at high wages, if not able to go out, having children to take care of, they got washing at from seventy five cents to a dollar a dozen.

The most crowded house I found, contained twenty-five persons, four men, during the day absent at work, six women, four of them wives of the men, and two, whose husbands were in the army, and fifteen children; the children were all small; any children over six years, can readily find a place, and make their living. This house contained two large rooms, the cooking being done out doors. Children and adults were healthy. The women all told me they had plenty to eat, were very comfortable and contented. I did not see a single case of suffering, or hear a complaint. The principal persons of the village informed me that they had never known a case of theft, or a single instance of begging. Instead of there being seven hundred and fifty, as represented, there were not two hundred of all ages and sexes.

It may not be improper to add that the town of Hanover, is situated in a fine agricultural region, settled by wealthy farmers, where there is always a demand for labor, - - it also contains a college known as "Hanover College," the boarding houses and washing for students requiring a larger amount of "female help" than most towns of this size. I am confident that if there were double the number of colored people at this place, they could find employment. It was intimated, when winter came on, that the people would not be as comfortable as now. This is quite likely, but the same class, of people, if work is not to be obtained, are not comfortable any where. They are quite as likely to get work here as any place I know of, and I am satisfied the people residing here will not permit any great amount of suffering.

Respectfully submitted,

S.H. Lathrop
Bt. Col. US Vol
AA Inspector General