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6

[[left margin]] General information, crops &c [[/left margin]]

As a general rule the condition of the people is improving. The freedmen are all able to procure work with good wages

Many of them will not go on plantations to work, but congregate in towns and villages without a visible means of support.

The crops throughout the District are good, and the freedmen are working industriously. Labor is in demand, and some of the planters are fearful, that they will not be able to procure sufficient hands to gather the crop in time to save it

The crop of corn is larger than has been raised for some years. The crop of oats is large and has been gathered in fine order. The Cotton crop will be medium. Considerable apprehension has been felt in regard to the cotton worm, but as yet but little damage has been done, in this section of the State. The planters are generally cheerful, which is a good indication

I am informed that the plantations have been cultivated, with less expense, and the laborers have worked better than at any previous time within the past three years

In my opinion the proper system of free labor has not yet been arrived at.

I am Sir very respectfully
Your Ot. Svt.
D M White
Lieut. V.R.C. S.A.C.