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Acts of violence, & serious difficulties between negros & whites are becoming very rare. None deserving of mention have been reported during the month.

The destitution is not so great as was anticipated, but there is reason to fear that it will increase before Spring.

There is yet much trouble in some parts of the State in managing the central system. It is not that the freedmen will not work, for when paid they work faithfully. It is not that the land owners do not desire laborers. Labor is in demand and with the promise of fair wages. But the two parties cannot agree to trust each other. The Employer wants assurance that his workmen will not desert him, or "strike" when the crop is in its most critical state. There he proposes to pay only at the end of the year. He will not hire by the month. The laborer says, "I can't wait so long, I need my pay every month. Besides, you may find some fault in my work and not pay at all. You fool me long enough." In all the rich Eastern Counties this other district of "promises to pay" is keeping the two parties separate. In the Western District a better state of things exists. Contracts are made for next year, & many are renting lands on liberal terms.

Fears are expressed by some that outbreaks and violence will occur during the Christmas Holidays But I can trace these fears to no just foundation. I hear of no combinations for any such purpose, of no organized bands of freedmen. I am doing all in my power to quiet apprehension & restore confidence. The presence of a well disciplined military force in any district will ensure good order.