Captain T. A. Walker wrote this report for the Freedmen's Bureau in Memphis, Tennessee, on May 31, 1864. It is divided into sections entitled: Financial, Expenditures; The Freed people of the city, The city schools; Holly Springs, Schools; Shiloah [sic]; Brick Yard; President Island, Schools; and General Remarks. Throughout the report, Walker lists some of the grievances experienced by freedmen and describes how the Bureau is attempting to address these issues.

Walker discusses a number of issues in Memphis proper, including housing problems, cases of sickness at the Freedmen's Hospital, and schools. He also describes the Holly Springs, Shiloh, and President's Island contraband camps. He reports that most of the residents of Holly Springs are about fourteen years of age and gives the numbers of those attending school. He mentions that Shiloh houses primarily the wives and families of soldiers and was recently ordered to be consolidated with Holly Springs. He has good things to say about the state of President Island camp regarding morale, farm production, and progress in schools. In the General Remarks section, Walker expresses a belief that the conditions of freed people in the district are generally improving. He also mentions the need for some military support.

Interested researchers may also wish to consult MS.3106: Thomas A. Walker Letter, 1864 May 2 for more information about Thomas Walker and freedmen in West Tennessee.