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him liable to be cheated out of his honest earnings, has the tendency to make him suspicious about hiring, and careless about work, where wages are so uncertain.
The Government tax of 3 cents per pound on cotton, is also peculiarly oppressive to such Freedman as are working for a share in the crop, or farming on their own responsibility; and indeed, it operates to the disadvantage of all plantation laborers, as wages must be proportionately less.
Schools and School Houses.
During the past summer, I have converted two (2) Government buildings in this place, into school rooms and quarters for teachers, making three good schoolrooms and quarters for the necessary teachers. The Bureau appropriations for this purpose have been three hundred (300) dollars. The citizens in this vicinity appear favorable disposed towards this course, and a few have subscribed small sums. A number of Freedmen have also donated a few days work each.
Having permission from Hd. Qrs., I have exchanged with the Selma? & Meridian R.R. Co., a Government building at Macon Station for about four (4) acres of land, on which the above mentioned school buildings are situated. This land is now divided into lots for renting to such Freedmen as will build houses upon them. The revenue from this source will amount to about forty (40) dollars per acre, yearly, for as much of this land as can be spared for this purpose, thus securing to the Freedmen a perpetual school fund.