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were looking badly owing to the heavy and continual rains during the latter portion there was an improvement and there is now, a prospect of a fair crop in certain localities. But few freedmen who rented lands for the year will make enough to pay expenses. In some instances they are deserting their crops altogether and are seeking work elswhere - Upon some of the plantations the laborers are getting discouraged and work but little - Freedmen are exhibiting more interest in schools, they have just finished a log school house and the Agent thinks there will be a full attendance - 

East Baton Rouge

The Agent reports a great many unimportant cases which were easily settled. But one case of assault was mentioned and that was settled by the parties concerned. But one case of importance mentioned that of the murder of a freedman, which took place over one year ago. The case was put of [[off]] from session to session until finally all but colored witnesses were gone, and was then tried, the verdict was, "not guilty."