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In my opinion there has been a great many apprentices who would be just as well cared for by the Parent as they will be by their former master who has them apprenticed not for any feeling of regard he has for them but Simply because they get the Services of the negroe for as for a period of Years for nothing there are a very few complaints  of the Freedmen leaving and not fullfilling their contracts in Such cases I have thus far Sent them back and tried to explain to them the necessity of complying in letter and in Spirit with their obligations of their contract no contracts are being brought here for approval.
I am Col Very
Respectfully Your Obt Servt
Spencer Smith
Lieut and Asst Supt