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New Berne N.C. Mch 21st 1866

Colonel
I occasionally get applications for planters whose hands having contracted with them have run away & who want them brought back & compelled to go to work.
I do not see how we can be at the expense of going after men at a distance. If we can get hold of them here, I think we can compel them to adhere to their contracts. But could we send two or three hundred miles off to Norfolk for instance where I believe it is said some such fellows have gone, and compel them to return. Unfortunately many employees do not make it to the interest of their hands to stay with them. I would be glad nevertheless and impress on the freedmen pretty forcibly that a contract once made in good faith must be adhered to.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
F A Seely
Capt & Supt

Col E Whittlesey
Asst Com