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and as the Freedmen are perfectly ignorant of the fact that such fears are entertained.  I gave instructions to not notice any "bug-bear" story that might be circulated by low and designing men, in order to get possession of their arms.

Great improvement has taken place among the Freedmen, and they are progressing favorably. Home employment and protection once guaranteed to them, and they rest contested this denied they seem to feel despondent. Home employment has to the best of our ability has been given to them and a continuation of this principle will prove of the greatest benefit to encouragement to them as a race. They lean upon the Bureau for such encouragement and protection, but are fast learning to appreciate the fact that changes are daily taking place of a different nature from the Bureau and that it becomes them as good citizens to conform to all requirements of the law with fidelity and intelligent obedience, and with the belief that a strict observance of the law,