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no selling, no buying, no breaking up families by force would be allowed.

They were not free to be insolent, to be idle, to pilfer, to steal, or do anything contrary to good order.

They were free to come under the restraints of law; free to toil, and claim the fruits of their own industry.  At the same time I pressed upon their minds the binding nature of contracts, and the vast importance of at once seeking employment.  They received it all with exultant joy, and the effect has been most happy.

The city has been far more quiet, many less idlers in the streets, and mutual confidence between employers and the Freedmen on a just basis has been created.

During the day I met several of the clergymen of the place who waited upon me Monday morning last, and owing to the pressure of business at the time, an interview was appointed for the evening.  After tea they called at my office, and we entered into a conversation which lasted till midnight.

I talked plainly and earnestly with them; and finally, when we parted, they pledged all assistance in their power to aid in carrying out our new system.

They asked many questions in a captious