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this class of freed people are almost afraid to again enter into contracts. They have lost confidence in their employment, and look suspiciously upon him who wished their labor for another year.
  The issue of Rations by the Bureau under exigencies  that may occur, has received much consideration, but I am happy to say there is not need for such issue at present in this District. Should the issue of Rations however become necessary, the cause therefore should be well understood. It cannot be attributed to an unwillingness on the part of the freed people to labor, but to the fact that they have been so generally taken advantage of, and fearing a repetition of the troubles through which they have been compelled to pass, they prefer to seek in the towns and cities the uncertain work there to be found.
  Your instructions to forward to the Sheriffs of the several counties in this District a communication calling for the number of actual convictions for Murder & Manslaughter in which Freedmen were the victims of parties, were promptly complied with, and up to the present writing replies from but three of the Sheriffs have

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