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I think, however, [[strikethrough]] as soon [[/strikethrough]] as soon as they fully understand that [[it is?]] the orders from the Freedmens Bureau that they should make contracts for next year, they will do so. Have visited several plantations to talk to the Freedmen and have succeeded in each instance in getting them to consent to enter into an agreement to remain during the coming year. but appeared disappointed in not getting land for themselves.

No rations have been issued to Refugees and only twenty for twenty days to sick and disabled Freedmen. There have been quite a number of women in the Barracks who have had no visable means of support. I have ordered them all out of the barracks while at the same time inform them of some good planters who will hire them. Many complaints have been ^[[insertion]] made [[/insertion]] of their stealing in their neighborhood, which I presume to be true, to some extent, as they have no other [[underlined]] honorable [[/underlined]] means of support. There are more Freedmen in the City than is necessary though few compared to other Cities of same size.

Quite a number of cases have occured in which the soldiers have cruelly treated the negro, by beating and striking. Many pistols and shot guns have been taken away