Viewing page 198 of 246

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

(23)

are many barbers among them; an not a few small shopkeepers. Among the latter few whiskey-venders are to be found; among the former class these are many persons of considerable property. The wages of ordinary laborers are low. Homes are paid from $4 to $10 per month, while common laboring men are paid from $8 to $12 per month, - board being given in both cases. Mechanics receive from $1.25 to $3.00 per day, and of course boards themselves. There is not a great deal of work of any kind to be done by them just now, and notwithstanding the industrious disposition of the Freedmen, there must be a great deal of suffering among them during the coming winter. And this is much more likely to be the case since the crops of the State, for the year, are very poor. Thus far, however, since their emancipation, a great many of them have done well; for in many localities of the State, they give evidence of their industry and thrift, in the little property which they are accumulating about them, - in the small but comfortable homes, which they have bought for their families. Some of them are not content with the purchase of small pieces of land, in and about the cities and towns, but are showing their wisdom by buying small farms, which properly culturated will yield them a