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for the next year, and the planters are now anxious to make their engagements for the ensuing year, and if they do not do so very soon, they will have to abandon the idea of planting. The consequence will be that we shall have thousands of idle negroes in the country next year. The country needs relief, and something ought to be done to give it. An exasperated people are hard to control, and nothing is better calculated to excite our people than to encourage the negro in his idleness and his vices.

I have ventured to call this matter to attention, and venture to hope that it may receive your early consideration.

Very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
W.L. Sharkey
Provincial Govr of Miss