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the years labor has proved a failure on the part of the freedmen. While liberal contracts were made, and an interest of 1/3 or 1/2 the crop was allowed him, he paying out of the part so assigned a reasonable price for his meat, and corn, and rations generally, the result is satisfactory and gratifying. In several instances, as I know whole families have saved 30 to 50 bushels of corn per head, with sufficient money to buy their meat for consumption during the year 1867, and this in addition to having furnished themselves with warm and substantial clothing.

The opportunity however to make favorable contracts, and the new situation of being his own master, with the right to do as he pleases with his earnings, is productive of reckless expenditure, unless controled in a great measure by the employer, who is solicitous of the freedmen's welfare.

Moses C. West, Supt Marshall Co. reports Jany 1st. The freedmen have generally complied with their contracts, as far as I have been able to learn their employers have been liberal towards them. The freedmen are