Viewing page 189 of 329

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

of contracts. They suppose too, that in time, its members will be paid for their services, in which event their positions will become desirable- 

The freedmen, on the other hand, believe that their interests will not be fairly represented by a former slaveholder. I hope that gentlemen may to be found among the citizens here whom they will be better satisfied to trust

I have been to Edisto in company with several planters, who visited their respective plantations when they were treated by the freedmen with courtesy and kindness. The people were unwilling to contract, and stated their reasons calmly and explicitly.

At a meeting on Saturday, the told the story of their former suffering to show why it is they cannot trust their "old masters." Many Edisto residents are refugees from the "up country." They were driven away without money or produce by planters who had solemnly promised then a share of the each.

I am in receipt of your favor of the 5th. inst. and of intentions through Col. Woodhull of the 4th., and have taken measures to have a Board constituted for Skidaway Island immediately.
I should be glad to know what course to pursue