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shirk their labor, run to indolence and vice, and bring inconvenience and lop to their employers. These, obscure the truth, and, as their clamor is very sure to make itself heard, it is not easy to arrive at correct conclusions. The failure of the cotton crop, has undoubtedly, put it out of the power of many perfectly disposed to act in good faith, to fulfil their contracts and, indeed, in this vicinity. I believe a large proportion of the unfilled contracts on the part of the employer, is due to this cause. Where, in such cases the freedmen have worked for a share of the crop of course they have met with nearly total lop. Under such circumstances all they can be counselled to do, is, to have patience; and with patience and proper industry and docility on their part. I believe they would ultimately receive justice, and that free labor under the contract system, would prove a [sucess?]. It is doubtley true that there are many employers who, after getting all the work out of the freedmen that they can, will summarily discharge them, and drive them off without ever having intended to pay them; but I fully believe that this is an evil inseparable from the great and radical changes that the abolition of slavery has brought about, and that justice and interest combined will eventually work its correction.

As to the administration of justice to freedmen by the civil magistrates and courts. there has been the same neglect in obtaining reliable data as has existed in regard to other matters over which the Bureau has supervision. There is however, abundant evidence that it is not the tendency of the civil courts to do strict justice to the freedman, and he at least gets the benefit of any doubt against him. Extortionate fines are frequently imposed, or, in lieu thereof, excessive