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Head Quarters 3d Sub District
Orangeburg S.C.
Oct 27th 1865.

Bvt Brig Genl C. H. Howard.
Chief of Staff.
Charleston,

General

In compliance with your instructions I have visited Barnwell, Bamburg, and the adjacent localities in order to see and look into the reported troubles in that part of my District, between the planters and the freedmen, 

I found that many troubles arise in the distribution of the crops on a few plantations different produce was raised and the colored men who helped to gather and raise the crops, do not get a share from the different produce. These contracts I will set aside because in my opinion thereby injustice would be done to the freedmen and their families.  On some plantations entire satisfaction prevails, the colored men told me that they are well cared and satisfied with the stipulations of their contracts.

I have thought proper to send a Non-Commissioned Officer on those plantations where the crop is divided with instructions to see to it that a fair division is to be made.  This is of course will require a large force, but if I am allowed to keep my present command, I think I will be able fully to execute this necessary precaution.