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18

the unwillingness of the Freedmen to make contracts for another year, as yet preclude any present likelihood of any systematic and satisfactory arrangements at an early day. The parties are too wide apart. The Planters look too generally to stringent laws and specific regulations, and too little to their own good management, and the Freedmen are afraid of both and of themselves as well.

What is wanted is intelligence, and the spirit and the habits of freedom, good sense will supply the rest, provided good sense can be found.

One principal, I am satisfied will be found of great importance, viz. on account of poverty and suspiciousness of the Freedmen. The system of frequent cash payments