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Cultivation, and of the condition of the families as seen in their household arrangements.

Though the cotton under their cultivation generally looks well and promises a fair yield that growing on the small leases worked by colored lessees on their own account, is decidedly superior to that cultivated by them as hired hands. The former is clear of grass and weeds and shows in every respect that the utmost Care interest and diligence have been used in its cultivation; and I think it will yield 1/3 more per acre than the latter.  The colored lessees whom I saw pointed to their success with apparent pride.  Some of the colored lessees on the Pillow farm with previous resources and what they will make this year will have sufficient means to purchase the lands they have been farming, if it could be sold to them; and I heard more than one express a desire to buy land.  These men have put up at their own expense a ginhouse costing over $2000. and manifest enterprise in many other subjects.  Capt Sweeney assures me that all any white man has ever done for these freedmen, was simply to stake off their leases, and that they have been left entirely to their own resources in the management of their affairs.  The condition of their household and family affairs is not satisfactory being much the same as under the slave system; and here much can be done for their improvement and cultivation. Undue severity on the part