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0490

that has been made.

Several Boards are already constituted and have begun their work. The John Island Board have met, and its members exhibit a fair and friendly spirit.

The Edisto Board has had two meetings. Mr. Bradwell thinks the people will not contract for wages, but he will submit to them the prepositions of the owners, and do what he can to have them fairly considered. I have directed him to give no information to the people of the instructions I have lately received, as far as they make the restoration of the land conditional upon the making of an agreement, fearing that the people might misunderstand them, and suppose that a refusal to contract on their part would secure to them the land.

I shall also learn, if no agreement for wages can be made, whether any arrangement, by lease or otherwise, may be effected, and have submitted certain questions for the consideration of the Board, to be reported upon in case the unwillingness to contract, already announced, shall continue. I will inform you of the result.

If the people generally will not agree, perhaps those of particular localities will. I therefore urge the owners to visit the plantations, and confer with the freedmen and I give them the requisite passes. Passes are necessary.