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garden as the protégées of a hostile jurisdiction and the Bureau is no longer present to defend them.

7- Every judge who introduces negro testimony will defend its introduction, and the Convention is much more likely to incorporate into the organic law what is already in full practice than to adapt what is rejected by their own courts and peculiar to military tribunals.

For those reasons and believing that it could be carried out in good faith. I issued the order, which has been adopted by the Governor in the Circular enclosed. Next Monday I hope to report its general adoption, and to have a glimpse at its workings.

I shall now go to work on a system of "labor regulations" embracing the lien of the laborer on the crop for his wages, proper forfeiture for unnecessary violation of contract by either party, punishment for living without visible means of support and kindred topics, which I think can be so issued over the joint signatures of the Governor and myself as to have binding force in a any court in the State. This has not been heretofore is pressing as other matters, as it was too late to make new contracts, and old ones were not matured.

The matter of revenue now shows some prospect of satisfactory adjustment. From fines collected under the order I hope for a considerable revenue. The U.S. District Attorney, Mr L.L. Smith is here, and kindly disposed towards the Bureau. I am to assist him in finding confiscable property- he will at once take possession and will turn over to me as much as I desire. At Letohatchee a village near here, I found an old tithing

warehouse built by the rebels, and now fallen in. I took possession and sold it for $300.00. At Greensville I found two more, one of which we use, the other I rented to the Treasury Department at $50.00 per month. Col L.H. Alexander of the Treasury Department, was here during the week, anxious to turn over to me siezed property in western Florida easily accessible from here and producing from $300- to $400- per month. Col Alexander said he knew you personally and asked me to telegraph you about the matter, which I did, though with a feeling of delicacy which the Auri farms overcame.
On the other hand I am reducing expenses. At Mobile I found a civil list of $650.00 per month, of which I directed that only necessary clerks (say two) should be retained. In the absence of a Medical Director, that department remains more expensive than I wish it was.
I do not however need much money, except for educational purposes. The people are eager to learn and the number of teachers arriving is very small. I can get good and willing teachers here, and make them nearly or quite self-supporting except as to books and fitting up of buildings. I telegraphed you on Saturday to know whether a detailed soldier could be employed as Teacher with his own consent. Meanwhile a movement is on foot among the Christian people of this place and Wetumpka, a neighboring term, to teach the colored people themselves. I shall encourage this feeling and endeavor to spread it.
The schools at Mobile were disturbed during the past week by an order from Maj Gen Woods to vacate the building in which they are held.