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Freedman see fit to assert his rights, even tho it is done in a respectful manner, the act is construed as impudence, and is deemed sufficient cause for punishment at the hands of the parties offended~  This is likewise the view the Magistrates take of it.

At no time within my knowledge have the freedmen deported themselves better than of late. True.
At present the Towns are too much crowded with them, and being unable to find employment, stealing as a consequence, is of common occurrence~

Still, the freedmen are not much to blame.  Discharged without pay for their services, and forced to leave the plantations on account of [[?]] outrages, is the main cause of this condition of things.

Many freedmen in the vicinity where Jerry Brown was murdered, have already left, from fear; and they tell me that when the crop is gathered and a division had, the freedmen will all leave that section ~

I am Major
Very respy your obedt Servt
Geo. S. Smith
Sub Ass't Com'r