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In the meantime I visited thirteen plantations in the neighborhood of this place, and conversed with freedman engaged thereon, and also with other freedman whom I chanced to meet away from their places of labor.

At the same remark would be applicable in each case, I may say generally, that all had registered whom I saw.  They had been correctly informed as to the object of registration, but did not seem clearly to comprehend the necessity.

It would be very different to report the nature and degree of information possessed to the freedmen upon the subjects mentioned, as usually the head man is put forward as spokesman for the party, and the others carefully reframe from taking any part in the conversation. But they usually act by his advice, or after his example.