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E and M 614 - BUREAU REFUGEES, FREEDMEN, AND ABANDONED LANDS, OFFICE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR MISSISSIPPI, Vicksburg, Miss., August 22nd, 1868. Respectfully returned to Major Genl. O.O. Howard, Comr., Washington D.C., attention invited to the endorsement of Bt Lt Col James Biddle, from which it will be seen that the communication of July 6th was received July 25, 1868 and the same day referred to Col Biddle for investigation and report - There have no doubt been negroes discharged for voting the Republican ticket, but in every instance brought to my notice prompt action as been taken to secure justice for the person discharged and it is believed with success. It has been held that laborers by the day, week or month could be discharged on the expiration of the term for which they were employed by the employer upon his paying the wages due to date. Those laboring for a share of the crop are held to have a vested right n the products of their labor of which they cannot be deprived without their consent, nor can they be ejected from the premises upon which they are laboring until the expiration of the year viz. Jan'y 1. 1869. It is held that the employer of a day laborer can discharge him at any time without assigning reasons. In this connection I may state that the supply of labor does not now, nor has it during this year been, equal to the demand, and that just at this season planters are anxious to secure laborers to pick cotton. In this connection attention is invited to report of Capt J. H. Chapman, Sub Asst Com's Sub District of Vicksburg There have been black men (and white men too) killed and the murderers not brought to justice. For proof of the falsity of the assertion that this has "been done under the immediate eye of the military," I refer to the report of Col Biddle Commanding at Jackson. As to the selection "of good, true, reliable Bureau Agents" I can only say that Officers of the U.S. Army and such Agents as have been appointed by the Commissioner have been employed and that I believe they have with few exceptions performed their duty honestly and faithfully, and that this has especially been the case with Col Biddle the Officer reflected upon by the petitioners All the papers in this case are herewith returned. Alvan C Green Bt Major Genl. U.S.A., Asst. Comr. State of Miss. file
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