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cases of rape upon white girls by freedmen and several unimportant ones are mentioned the former were referred to the Civil Authorities. 

Fourth District

Natchitoches, Sabine, Rapides, Winn. and Avoyells.  About three fourths of the freedmen are working for a share of the crop and are very industrious, it being for their interest to be so. Considerable excitement now exists, the cotton worm having made its appearance. Should the cotton be destroyed neither planters nor freedmen will - in many cases - have a sufficient amount of corn to pay their indebtedness. The crops in the overflowed portion of the district are a total failure. Civil Authorities are not generally disposed to accord justice to freedmen and agents have been directed to attend trials - when it was possible for them to do so - when they were interested. Several cases of assault and battery and assault with intent to kill are reported in Rapides and Avoyelles Parishes which were referred to the Civil Authorities.