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Many of the Freedmen are ignorant of their new condition and the Planters try to keep them so  Along the west bank of the Yazoo the Planters offer food, subsistence & a share, from 1/8 to 1/2 of the crop. Sectioned to a crowded house, and tried to root out the idea of division of lands. A soldier on furlough who was preaching was shot by ruffians. Two of the murderers arrested and sent to Vicksburg. Heard of the murder of a Freedman at Vaughan's Station but could gather no evidence owing to cowed state of people. Found Planters about as much in need of counsel as laborers & seemingly grateful for it. Thinks that the Legislature wish to make labor as secure to their own interests, and as much like the old style as possible. How far "pebday" may incline them to juster action remains to be seen. 
Thinks that the vagrant laws, if made to embrace black and white, will make the negroes the only sufferers. 
This plan of transferring administration of justice from Freedmens Court to Civil authorities, works according to views of the officials & public sentiments, sometimes well and at others badly. The expectation of stringent laws by the planters tends to discourage contracting, and the Freedmen are afraid to enter into agreements. Much idleness results  But that frequent cash payments will tend to allay all fears.