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M67

Summary of report of Chaplain Jarvis A. Hawley
Sub. Comg. So Yazoo City, Canton and Jackson Miss.

At Falls Plantation were a few Freedmen, who were laboring for subsistence and clothing but were allowed to cut and sell wood for themselves.  Explains the modus operandi of a Freedman selling wood, and figuring the amount. They had been promised a share of the cotton crop, but the overflowe had destroyed that. Most of the plantations new there had been overflowed. Freedmen have had to work for almost bare subsistence, consequently worked very poorly. and Planters inferred that if paid wages they would not work at all, and a law should be made to compel them to do so. This feeling was prevalent. Found a strong feeling against the Yankees. On his way to Silver Creek (20 miles) found plantations nearly deserted by Freedmen. Labor will be scarce here. School for colored people needed much at Yazoo City. Contracts have been made with Freedmen & to all appearances generally observed. Recorded are 250 contracts embracing about 4000 people. Lt. Foster here manages well. Many Freedpeople feign injuries, but careful examination discloses all. Not uncommon for Freedman to work for food & clothing in this region. Laborers scarce