Viewing page 288 of 326

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

from the old to the new books he had not completed them up to date. When once completed they will be of credit to his office. But little contracting had been done in his office, owing to the fact that until recently some hesitancy was felt about contracting beyond the 1st of January next. And many had not settled for work in the present year, although most of the cotton was gathered. My instructions to officers of the Bureau was to not let the Freedmen contract until the requirements of last years contracts has been fulfilled, and the contract cancelled in all cases. Then if the parties being free to choose their own employment and under no written obligations not to employ they could renew or enter into different contract as they choose for the coming year. Fears are entertained by some of the Sub Commissioners that trouble will arise on settlement with some of the freedmen, as every possible chance to exact from their wages has been done, and the freedmen in many respects feel aggrieved. Many of the planters seem inclined to not settle with the Bureau but settle in their own way, and say that if they cant settle