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hand, that so many negroes refused to enter into contract for [[strikethrough]] next [[/strikethrough]] another year. This keeps the planters in suspense and will prove an injury ultimately to Freedmen. I am of the opinion that suffering can be avoided to a great degree during the coming winter, if every Agent through the State be instructed to advise with Freedmen on this point, and urge them to contract at once where good & fair wages are offered. If Agents were to make special efforts to overcome this unwillingness to Contract by calling assemblies of Freedmen at convenient points and addressing them plainly, I am sure the results would be good. The demand for labor is such that nearly all can find comfortable homes & livelyhood.

Upon my return to Selma, Chaplain Gardner was absent at Mobile to find out whether he ahd been mustered out or transferred to another Regiment. I therefore did not see him & could do nothing towards supplying his place with another Officer.

I found that passes are issued yet