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4

tribunal for trial.

The compelling Planters, thus abusing the Freedmen who were formerly their slaves, to give bonds to hold the peace towards them, has had in itself, a very salutary influence, and has done much in forcibly inducing the planters to understand and recognize the new position of the Freedmen of this County."

Aug 31st/65 "I find, throughout the County, a general improvement, both in the condition of the Freedmen, and the views in which they are held by, and the treatment which they receive from their former masters.

It is but a few months since the Freedmen were informed that they were a free people. And many had not heard it, except as a mere rumor, which, they were sedulously informed by their masters, was false, until my arrival here, in obedience to your instructions.

Both people are rapidly adapting themselves to the new condition of affairs, and, not withstanding there are some who, most positively affirm that free negro labor will never succeed in this Country, yet a close observance of the progress already made where every advantage and assistance has been given the negroes, as employees, proves conclusively that negro free labor will become a perfect success, and will soon be generally adopted and acknowledged, as some few have already, as the most remunerative as well as the most humane."

Sept 10th/65  "The general condition of the Freedmen in