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Warrior Stand Ala Nov 3rd / 66

Maj. Gen'l Swayne

Sir; I wish to know what I am to do as a justice of the peace in settling "Freedmens" contract for them. Some report to me that their employer sold out  without giveing them anything but a note of hand for wager owe, and in their present condition they cannot live without their wages; and it will compell them to pilfer + steal.  I am no agentof the "Bureau" or I would know what course to pursue, but being a civil officer I am at a loss.  Please write me what to do with such cases as it is now time that they were settling up in some way.  Some have charged Freedmen as much as five dollars a day for lost time shall I allow it or allow a "Prot, Rota" of what they get by the day.  And in a case where the Freedmen upon the plantation have bought out their employer and failed to make the amount given can he deduct the amount out of their wages to pay him.  If there is any pay in the office of Sub Agt., I would accept the appointment; but not otherwise as I am already taxes without pay enough.  I only ask this advice to give the negro justice in my administration. 
Respcfy & [?]
G. B. Slaughter J.P.
Beat [[?]]
Macon Cty
Ala

Address me at Warrior Stand
Tuskegee Ala

Transcription Notes:
Warrior Stand, Ala in Macon Cty. It is southeast of Tuskegee a few miles.