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were made. The present year, these persons somewhat recovered from the effects of the war and stimulated by their experiences of the past went to work industriously and hopefully, both white and colored I am satisfied made strenuous efforts to provide for themselves. The early season gave assurance of abundant harvest, but the severe drought which prevailed in this State and others, in July and August, proved fatal to the growing crops. Corn suffered the most severely. In some sections it was an entire failure, in others nearly so. In none of the Northerly counties did the yield exceed the demand for consumption, and in many counties not enough was made to last beyond Christmas, and many families found themselves with not one months supply.

The cotton suffered from the drought and ravages of the worm, not more than one fourth of an average crop will be made, but to those who cultivate extensively, and have saved a part of their crop, the increased price of this staple will compensate them for their investment, But the farmers of limited means who turned their attention and labor to growing corn for home consumption, suffer the most. With all this, there need be no apprehension of starvation or stern want, to men who are able to work, sufficient labor can be had for all