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Hdqrs Sub Dist Talladega
Talladega Ala Dec 24, 1867

Co. O.D. Kinsman
Sub Asst Commissioner

Col

In reply to your letter 17th inst. I have the honour herewith to state, Between the planter and laborer, there is a want of confidence essential to prosperity. The expense of provisions during the early part of present year was very exorbent. The products of the soil command a very low price. Income from agricultural sources has fallen far short of the expectation of every person, and the relationship as employer and employee whether writen or verbal contract have generally resulted in a dissatisfactory settlement. The planter or laborer manifest but very little inclination to enter into agreements for the coming year. As yet but very few contracts has been made in this Sub Dist, they being invariably for an interest in the crop, the laborer cultivating the soil and boarding himself for 1/3 crop, the planter taking a lien on entire crop to secure all advances. A want of confidence some instances from necessity farming will be greatly curtailed, in fact the only demand for laborers at present is to build the Selma Rome and Dalton r.R. at $1.00 per day. The condition of the freed people generally is deplorable. The free who labored for a fixed sallary per month most invariably had more or less relative dependent upon upon them for assistance, the high price for the neccessaries of life consumed their entire income. Some who advanced themselfs in possition of tenants last year have been from above mentioned

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