Inspired by the efforts of the Emancipation League of Boston and by other freedman's aid associations, Congress, on March 3, 1865, passed the bill which established the Freedman 's Bureau. Gen. Oliver 0. Howard, the commander of the Army of Ten hessee, was appointed Commissioner, and, in compliance with the statute, he appointed ten assistant commissioners, who severally had charge of the ten districts into which the South was divided. Among these assistant commissioners was Col. John Eaton Jr. (afterwards United States Commissioner of Education), who had charge of the District of Columbia, including Maryland and three counties in Virginia. At first Arkansas and Texas consti tuted one district; but somewhat later Texas became a separate district, and Gen, E. M. Gregory was appointed Assistant Com missioner therefor. In his honor a school for negro pupils was founded in Houston, Texas, and was named The Gregory Institute.