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existing in and surrounding the same. The work of reducing to systematic and productive order the mass of millions representing the former slaves of the South who for the first time are thrown upon their own resources, without the aid of experience or knowledge or the benefit of any substantial means of maintenance or support, in the midst of a hostile element, such as really exists, is of such magnitude as to be but imperfectly comprehended, and perhaps too little considered by the many who are or should be more or less responsible in the matter.

It must be admitted that, in this district and; in fact throughout this State, a somewhat backward state of things exists in the various branches of the Freedmen's Bureau Department. But this fact is excused, to a great extent, in the lateness of the occupation by the Federal authorities which prevented for the last season, the consummation of any available labor scheme or schemes; and in the fact of so large a portion of the State being unprotected even up to the present time by the presence of U.S. Soldiers, which caused thousands of destitute negroes to abandon their former homes and seek refuge from humiliated and incensed masters within the limits of Federal Posts. This caused a great influx of Freedmen at such prominent points as Montgomery, Selma and especially at Mobile, and caused some confusion from the fact that work could not be furnished so many in and about these places; and the alleged facts of cruel and inhospitable treatment from their former masters prevented us from sending them back to the interior and unprotected counties.