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require time before they will rightly understand their exact status. Justice is all that is necessary to cause this veil of mist to fade and grow surely less: it acts upon the cloud like a ray of warm & generous sunshine, causing it to disappear and pass away. And it is really surprising to see what a degree latent and dormant energy and inteligence, heretofore trampled and crushed down, is developed by justice, tempered by kindness and humanity.
In fact, the Freedman are fast learning and appreciating their changed position; light is beginning to dawn upon them; and they bless the Government that has greatly and wisely given unto them their previous and inestimable boon of liberty. I have sent to different parts of the counties, intelligent and faithful soldiers to explain to them; tell them how to act and behave and what is expected of and desired from them. As a general thing, they desire and wish to do right; they are easily contented. Many have attachment for their former masters, and will do anything for them if only treated kindly and judiciously. True, some of the Freedmen are inclined to be, and are, insolent; but of if the employers use a little discretion, this