Viewing page 47 of 270

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

that such debt, shall be deducted or paid out of the coming crop.— this would be a fair thing, but since the election is over, and as all the freedmen, voted the radical ticket, in consequence of which, the landowner's, are charging them exorbitant prices, as Corn $2.50 per bushel, when it can be bought, for $1.25 to $1.40 per bu. Pork 30 to 40 cts per lb. so that when the poor freedmen have gathered their crop the whole years earning's has to be kept by the land-owner on account of the debt contracted by them:— beside that they can not leave the plantation, to go and work outside, for others, to get money to buy provisions with, as that would be a violation of their contract, and subject them to discharge, and loss of all labor performed, by them, since January.

I respectfully request that this matter should be thoroughly considered, and some means be used to remedy the evil. I am at a loss, to advise in the matter.

I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Your Obdt Servant
Hugo Hillebrandt 
Agent Bu R. F. & A. L.

Transcription Notes:
Per 5/17 email communication with SI staff, continue to note signatures with [[signature]] Joe Blow [[/signature]] -- Beth