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real to outstrip their judgment, imbibed some very crude and injurious motions of the meaning of freedom and the extent of protection that government should extend to them and of the provisions to be made for them in many ways. For instance, a motion had become prevalent among them that on Christmas a division of all the lands of their masters would be made among them and that all that was requisite for farming would be furnished by the government. So strong was this motion, that it was difficult to induce them to enter into any contract for a longer period than the holidays. Many other crude ideas,of a like character, were deluding their brains, and rendering the the work of a proper sub-ordination and practicable regulations more difficult.
From the condition of things in part explained and have found great difficulty in seducing the system of labor to a state satisfactory to my views. The general plan adopted and acted on by me has been to cause all contracts made between the freedmen and white citizens to be recorded in proper books kept in a branch of the bureau for this special purpose; to allow the freedmen with the laborer to make such contract as he may please provided. He is allowed to act uninfluenced, and that no imposition is being practiced upon him by his employer. Then it becomes the duty of the bureau to see that the stipulations of such contract be faithfully carried out by both parties. I have extended such means and protection to the country as pretty well enables me to contract with the planters for the freedmen congregating in the city