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Office Sub Assistant Commissioner B.R F. & A.L.
Demopolis Ala, Feb 29th 1868: 

Maj: George Shorkley 
A.A.A.G:
Montgomery Ala

Sir:
I have the honor to submit the following report of operations of the Bureau in this sub district, for the month of February 1968:
The time has been principally concerned in hearing and settling complaints. The majority of complaints have been from freedmen, but in many cases not well founded arising from the want of confidence between the employer and employee, the latter not understanding the [[?]] of settlement and it not explained by the employer.
The confidence of the freedmen in the labor system now in vogue, seems to be on the increase, and they generally prefer to work for a share in the crop, in preference to wages, the contracts generally being made on the one third system; but the expression of planters would indicate a decline of confidence, as they complain of a lack of security for the performance of the freedmans part of the contract, wishing for some compulsory means to enforce it, evidently wishing to establish a system of peonage but in every case they are referred to the civil law; this office using its compulsory power of discretion.
I am satisfied that the influence of this office has saved three fourths of the freedmen from being thrown out of employment for voting and being deprived of homes the necessaries of life, for a sufficient length of