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from Lieut. St Clairs note to me, reported incorrectly, he had as fair a showing as I could have given a white man & advice from em how to proceed to all of which he did not seem disposed to pay much attention, all the time intimating that he did not think he could have fair chance here, but could at Jackson. My only object in making this plane statement to you is to know whether as a civil officer, I can depend upon the cooperation of department in inforcing obedience to the laws, & to know if in this case I have rendered a decision in accordance with the laws of the Bureau for Freedmen. Of course it would be but a farce for me to try cases of broken or violated contracts between White & freedmen if there is no law to compell a freedman to faithfully carry out his contract. a laborer either white or black may do his employer a great damage by inducing him to expend large sums of money preparatory to entering upon a contract, and then leaving him without fulfilling it. You will very readily see Col; how a man may be ruined by preparing teams, food, farming implements &c for a large no of laborers, who might leave whenever they choose without cause. My earnest aim & interest, not only as an officer, but as a Citizen is to aid in carrying out the policy of the Genl. Government, however much I may; at one time, have been opposed to it, I am now sincerely ready to do all I can to place the negro in the very best position possible for his good & the welfare of the State. So if I err please attribute to the head & not the heart.

Very Respectfully &c
[[signature]] J. B. Greaves [[/signature]]
Mayor of Clinton &c