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26 [[left margin]] Second Maine [[/left margin]] getting well under way and a lieutenant has gone to work under him at Opelika in the next County. We have also found a good officer at Talladega and one in the new garrison at Greenville who can relieve our Captain Brown and let him fill a vacancy elsewhere. Still we cannot get enough to put one in each county, though I hope to do so as fast as the troops are distributed. The Second Maine, would I think meet the whole case. If it is not sent, the next best resource appears to me to be from the Staff of General Officers leaving the service, and would be glad to have you send me such as have your confidence. [[left margin]] Committees of colored men [[/left margin]] I think the plan a good one for each agent to arrange a weekly meeting with a few of the best colored men in his neighborhood. Personally, I find it excellent for both of us. The Agent here also, having a call for one hundred laborers for rail road work took forty from the Colony and his committee procured him sixty out of the streets, breaking up a large amount of idleness. This week the same man wants a hundred more. The more intelligent freedmen take kindly to the idea of being missionaries to their own people, which I constantly inculcate. [[left margin]] Teachers wanted [[/left margin]] I do not think a single teacher has come into the State since I did. There is an increased number of places where we have buildings and scholars, and I shall this week write to Mr. Shipherd about it to see if some cannot be had. [[left margin]] Constitutional Convention [[/left margin]] The Convention meets here tomorrow. From what I learn I think men of repute for fairness have been elected, without much regard to their antecedents. I hope they will show a much better result than the Mississippi Convention and at 27 least enact, not that laws shall be made for freedmen, but that all laws shall be administered without distinction of color, and I hope nothing less will ever be received. [[left margin]] Circular No 15 [[/left margin]] I have cut from a newspaper a copy of Circular Number Fifteen which I presume makes my files complete. [[left margin]] Public Lands [[/left margin]] It has incidentally come to my knowledge that there is a large amount of land yet un-entered and belonging to the U. S. in this State. The proper officer has agreed to inform me finally about it and I am in hopes to be able to settle some Freedmen advantageously upon it. [[left margin]] Renting Lands [[/left margin]] It seems difficult for them to rent land from private parties - if the thing can be once started. I think it will spread, and I am on the look-out for a chance to bring some two parties together. [[left margin]] Industrial Schools [[/left margin]] The Governor is highly in favor of a series of industrial schools for Freedmen, and as soon as we have secured one farm which we can consider permanent property, I shall commence such a school upon it. Perhaps in such schools the labor of the young can be made to support the aged and the crippled, so far as we are compelled to receive them. [[left margin]] Major Norris [[/left margin]] I have written this report more hastily than I like, to send it by Major Norris. He will be able to supply its defiences and to meet your inquiries on other points of interest to you. I am, General, Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant Brig Gen and Asst Commissioner