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and that they are not driven away from the Platation [[Plantation]] of their former Master without due compensatio. It is evident that Some thing must be done in their behalf and Some one will necessarily have to look to their interest or they will be driven from the Plantations with little or no compensation for their services. If I have presumed or unnecessarily taken the responsibility to do as I have under the circumstances I have the conscientious belief that I have only done a just and charitable act.
I have instructed my Provost Marshal to adjudicat all matters of difficulty arising between the White and Negro citizens
There is no civil law in opperation nor civil officers to prosecute the law. Consequently I consider it my duty to mediate and administer justice equally where such controversy would arise. I would earnestly urge that an officer to look to their interest of the Freedman be appointed for this place. The condition of the Negroes certainly demand it. In my judgment if there is no one here to watch the interest of the Freedmen that this Fall or Winter they will be sent or drove from the Plantations without due or just compensation. If this matter