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[[left margin]] relative to their marital relations [/left margin]
has been a source of more trouble than any other complaint against them. The sanctity of this matter was seldom if ever taught them during their bondage; and in their new sphere, they are unable to fully comprehend the importance of it. In the City of Meridian, a petition was presented to the Mayor, signed by
[[left margin]] Evidence of their improvement [/left margin]]
several colored residents, asking him to move beyond the city limits, all colored women of abandoned characters; he consented to do so, but as it required the oath of some one that they were of such character, and, whilst there was no doubt of certain ones, it was impossible to get the required oath, no action was taken in the matter. I mention this merely to show that they are, as a class, aware of the importance of establishing a reputation for morality.
[[left margin]] Disposition of the whites towards the [/left margin]]
VIII. In some portions of the District the white people accord to the freedmen all the rights guaranteed them, but in the interior and at places remote from the immediate