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how it can but soon be otherwise, as so many are unemployed
If not a third, fully a fourth of those employed last-year are idle this, many so from their own accord. From my own [[Strikethrough]] observation [[/Strikethrough]] knowledge numbers of plantations that were under cultivation last year are lying out this. [[left margin]] Planters wanting hands. Strange to say in the face of these facts. I am called upon daily by planters wanting to hire hands.

[[left margin]] Schools, their condition &c
But little progress is being made in the work of education. This so far as the freedmen are concerned arises not so much from a lack of interest in the matter, but is owing more to their poverty.

The school at this place under the society of Friends is doing well; and as will be seen from my report forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools, has enrolled 285 Scholars. At Shuqualak, the freedmen have have nearly completed a substantial School building and will soon need a teacher.

Transcription Notes:
"lying out" in this context means "fallow"